Author's Note:

Content Warning: Scene in a hospital. There's a mild injury, but everyone will be okay!

It was Wednesday, and Crowley was in the staff canteen on his final coffee break of the day. He only had two more days left at this job and he was feeling pretty good about it.

His phone started to ring. It was a number he didn't recognise, so he hurriedly slipped outside for privacy's sake to answer it.

"Hello," he said, full of curiosity.

"Hallo, this is St George's Hospital. Am I speaking to Anthony Crowley?" Crowley's heart stopped. His thoughts immediately went to his mother, but she lived in Tadfield. Surely she wouldn't be in a hospital in London? Still, his imagination ran wild.

"Yeah, this is Anthony Crowley. What's going on?"

"I'm calling on behalf of a Mr Azirah-fail Fell. He's been involved in a car accident, and is in a stable condition. You're on his list of contacts."

Crowley made a panicked sound, too frightened to speak at first, and then questions were pouring out of him, most of which the lady on the phone either didn't have the answers to or wasn't allowed to answer.

Crowley swallowed around the lump in his throat. "Thanks for letting me know. I'll be right there."

He could see Dagon through the window in the canteen and he rushed inside to tell her. She gave him permission to leave early, and then he swung by Gabriel's office, only to find it empty. The hospital must have called him first. He was probably already on his way there.

Crowley dashed to the main entrance which led directly to the car park and saw Gabriel raving at someone on the front desk.

The receptionist had an apologetic look on her face. "I'm sorry, Gabriel, but all of the company cars have been signed out."

"Put out a call for Beatrice then! She'll drive me. Shit. She's across town in a fucking meeting... Michael! Put out a tannoy for Michael!"

"She's not in today."

"Dammit! Can you drive me?"

The receptionist looked uncomfortable. "Sorry, but I get the bus. Can I call you a taxi?"

"I'll drive," Crowley said, barely slowing down. "You're going to see Aziraphale in the hospital, right? C'mon."

Gabriel rounded on him. "How do you know about that?"

"The hospital called me."

"Why the fuck did the hospital call you? You can't be on his emergency contacts. You've barely been together a week!"

"Two weeks. Almost. Are you coming or not?"

Gabriel didn't answer but he did jog to catch up with him and soon they were racing to Crowley's car.

"What'd they tell you?" Crowley asked breathlessly as he started the car engine, his hands shaking.

"Something about a car accident. They said he was stable but that was all they could say. Bloody useless... Are you crying?"

"No," Crowley said, wiping at his eyes with his sleeve as they pulled out of the car park. "M' just worried, is all."

Gabriel made an annoyed sound, and it seemed he might remind Crowley that he'd only just met Aziraphale, while Gabriel had known him his entire life. Crowley was in no mood to argue over who cared about him more.

"Look," said Gabriel. "Aziraphale is going to be fine. He's too stubborn to let anything bad happen to him. Don't worry. And stop speeding. We'll get there when we get there."

They arrived at the hospital in under twenty minutes, and the receptionist directed them to the correct ward.

Gabriel opened the door, and Crowley followed him into the room, heart in his throat. The worst-case scenarios had already played out a thousand times in his mind, so it was an anti-climax – and a huge relief - to find Aziraphale sat up in bed, daintily sipping at a cup of tea.

Aziraphale looked from one to the other of them, surprise and delight on his face, and then came the puppy dog eyes. Aziraphale lifted up his arm to show off a bandaged wrist. "I sprained my wrist," he said pitifully.

"That's all?!" Gabriel roared. "I'm missing an important meeting for a sprained wrist?! I thought you were dying or something!"

Aziraphale looked a bit put out. "They thought I might have concussion," he said defensively.

"All they told us was that you'd been in a car accident," Crowley said. "We feared the worst. Thank fuck you're okay."

Aziraphale's eyes went wide. "Oh, my goodness! I'm terribly sorry. I didn't have any signal, and the doctor asked if I'd like reception to call anyone, so I asked if they could call you, Crowley. I didn't want you showing up to an empty bookshop after work. I wasn't sure when I'd be allowed to go home. And you're my emergency contact Gabriel, so I guess they... Things must have gotten a bit lost in translation between the doctor and reception. I didn't mean to be a bother."

"Not a bother, not at all," said Crowley. "I'm glad you're okay. I was worried."

"We were both worried. He was crying in the car," said Gabriel.

Crowley glared at him and then turned back to Aziraphale. "What happened?"

"Well, there was this pram, and it was hurtling into the road! So I dashed after it. The car stopped just in time, but it did bop me a little bit, and I fell over. They did an x-ray, and my wrist is okay, just sprained. They want to keep me in a little longer to make sure I don't have concussion. I'm so sorry you both got dragged all the way out here for this. I thought they were only calling to let you know I was okay. I'd have texted but…. You can both leave if you want."

"Well, I might as well stay now I'm here," said Gabriel.

"Yeah," said Crowley. "We can keep you company."

Aziraphale beamed.

"I'm gonna go get a coffee," said Gabriel, and then, as an afterthought. "Can I get you anything, Crowley?"

"Oh. Er. Yeah. Thanks. A coffee with milk and sugar, please."

Gabriel nodded and then he was gone, leaving the two of them alone.

Aziraphale patted the side of the bed, and Crowley sat down.

"How are you feeling?" Crowley asked.

"Much better now that you're here. Did you and Gabriel come together?"

"Yeah, I drove us."

"I never thought I'd see the day! Are you two friends now?"

"I wouldn't say that. I wouldn't go so far as to say 'friends.' I'm a little worried he's going to spit in my coffee, to be honest," Crowley said with a light-hearted laugh.

"Oh, no, Gabriel would never. Far too vulgar."

Crowley reached out and took Aziraphale's uninjured hand and squeezed it. "I'm so glad you're okay, angel."

Not long after that, the doctor came to see Aziraphale, and when he saw that his brother and his partner were with him he immediately discharged him. Crowley couldn't help but suspect that the main reason the doctor had asked if Aziraphale wanted anyone to be called was so that he could get rid of him and free up the bed.

"Keep an eye on him, and don't let him sleep for a few hours, just in case," the doctor said to both Gabriel and Crowley before turning to speak to Aziraphale. "Rest your wrist for at least 48 hours. If your headache returns or if you have any other problems, speak to your GP. Though I suspect your previous headache was stress induced and not something to worry about."

Aziraphale nipped to the toilet before they left, leaving Crowley and Gabriel waiting outside, an awkward silence hanging between them.

Gabriel cleared his throat. "Thanks for driving."

"No problem," said Crowley, digging his hands into his pockets. "Thanks for the coffee."

"I think I may have misjudged you. I thought you only saw Zira as a bit of fun. I had visions of being left to pick up the pieces when you inevitably got bored of him. But I suppose you really do like him after all."

"Yeah, I do. I like him a lot."

Gabriel nodded. "Zira could do a lot worse. And I'm sorry for the way I treated you. But…" He straightened up to his full height, jutting out his chin. "If you hurt him I'll make sure you regret it."

"Noted."

By the time they left the hospital the workday was over, but Gabriel still asked to be dropped off at work so he could catch up. Crowley suspected it mostly had something to do with the fact that Bee's car was still in the carpark.

It was a relief when Crowley was finally alone with Aziraphale in the car. With one hand on the wheel and the other on Aziraphale's knee, he drove them to the bookshop.

Now that Aziraphale needed to rest his wrist, Crowley planned to look after him - and give him a hand in every way possible.

It was Friday night, two days after Aziraphale had sprained his wrist. It seemed as good as new, though Aziraphale was still being careful with it.

Crowley had just finished his last day at his old job and was now out celebrating. He'd met his colleagues at the pub at 7pm and had been drinking solidly for several hours.

It was a small leaving do with a select gang of people from reception and a few other departments. Crowley had found himself pleasantly surprised - and touched - by how many people came out, especially considering it was only a week and two days before Christmas. He'd assumed most people would be too busy. Even Hastur and Ligur came along. He'd actually gotten along pretty well with them during the training.

"An' I'll tell you another thing," said Crowley to anyone who would listen, swaying slightly. "Aziraphale's hair is so fluffy it's like cotton candy. And his smile makes me go all wibbly." He turned to Tracy with wide, honest eyes. "He's an angel. An actual angel. I need to tell him - what if he doesn't know?!"

Crowley grabbed his phone and then started to type. It was more difficult than usual, and he struggled to get his point across. He reread it, the words swimming before his eyes.

'UR a cotton candy angel.'

That was close enough. He sent it.

The reply came soon after and Crowley bounced on his toes as he opened the message.

'And you're my sweet serpent. It sounds like you're having a lovely night! Enjoy yourself, darling.'

"He replied straight away!" Crowley said. "I knew he would. He's the best. I bet he's sat in his armchair with a cup of tea and a book."

Tracy held back a laugh. "The taxi's here. Come along," She took his arm.

"What? No no no. S'too early."

"It's midnight. There's only you, me, Hastur and Ligur left. Our taxi just turned up. Look."

Crowley looked out of the pub window and saw that there was indeed a taxi waiting outside.

They made their way towards the door, Tracy turning to wave at Hastur and Ligur. "Goodbye- Oh!"

Crowley turned to see what had surprised her.

Hastur and Ligur were snogging.

Crowley giggled.

"I didn't know they were into each other," said Tracy.

"I didn't know either," said Crowley. "To be honest, I don't think even they knew until a few minutes ago." Crowley raised his voice to shout across the room. "Goodnight, lovebirds!"

Ligur waved goodbye vaguely in their direction while Hastur gave them the middle finger, which made Crowley laugh even harder.

Tracy led Crowley out onto the street, the cool air making him pull his jacket around himself all the tighter. They both got into the back of the taxi, and before Crowley knew it, they were turning onto Tracy's street.

"M' jealous," said Crowley. "Coz you get to spend Christmas Day with Aziraphale."

"Hmm? What do you mean?"

"He's having Christmas dinner at yours."

She looked bewildered. "No. Me and Mister S are spending Christmas Day together. Aziraphale always spends Christmas with Gabriel and his cousin, or so I thought?"

"Oh," said Crowley as the taxi pulled up outside of Tracy's front door, a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. "I must've misunderstood him. Maybe he meant someone else."

"Yes. Anything would be better than Christmas with Gabriel," said Tracy as she got out of the car. "I'll see you around Crowley. Maybe we can all get together one day. You, me, Shadwell and Aziraphale. A double date!"

"Yeah," said Crowley, forcing a smile. "See you soon."

He suddenly felt far too sober. His chest ached. He knew he hadn't misunderstood. Aziraphale had lied about where he was spending Christmas, but why? Crowley had a bad feeling about this.

By the time he'd gotten home, he'd had another message from Aziraphale which said that he was still awake if he wanted to come over after his leaving party.

'Sorry I only just seen ur txt. Home now and shattered. Gonna sleep. Night.' He put his phone on silent and then, feeling very alone, he curled up in bed.

Crowley had hoped that sleeping on it might help, but it didn't.

One moment he believed that this was all a silly misunderstanding, and the next he was convinced that Aziraphale was seeing someone else behind his back.

Where was Aziraphale spending Christmas day?

From what he could remember, he'd first heard that Aziraphale was going to Tracy's during the argument with Gabriel on the doorstep of the bookshop. But he wasn't 100% sure. Perhaps Aziraphale had only intended to lie to Gabriel, and Crowley had just gotten caught up in the lie. But if that was true then why didn't Aziraphale tell Crowley the truth later on?

If Aziraphale had a secret boyfriend then it made sense he wouldn't want Gabriel to find out either. Gabriel would've told Crowley in a heartbeat back when he was eager to split them up.

But why drag Tracy into the lie? She worked with Gabriel too. Gabriel could easily mention it to Tracy, just like Crowley had mentioned it to Tracy last night. But Crowley had never seen Gabriel or Tracy chatting at work, so maybe Aziraphale already knew that they wouldn't talk? But then Crowley remembered – he'd seen Gabriel at her desk before, eating some of her home-baked cookies, so perhaps Aziraphale had meant to ask Tracy to cover for him but had forgotten? Why lie at all?

The only way to know for sure would be to confront him, and when Crowley got a text inviting him over to the bookshop for brunch – homemade scones – before their ice-skating plans, it seemed like the perfect opportunity.

On the walk over Crowley tried to remember if they'd talked about their Christmas Day plans at all. Crowley knew he'd mentioned that he was spending Christmas Day with his mum, he just couldn't remember if Aziraphale had said what he was doing. Had he changed the subject? Maybe he'd been planning to spend Christmas with Gabriel but then his plans had changed. It could all be perfectly innocent. Maybe he knew another Tracy.

Crowley's mum had called him a few days ago and asked him the same question she always asked him: "Are you seeing anyone?" and he'd been unable to resist telling her all about Aziraphale and how much he liked him. He'd been surprised when she's eagerly offered an invite for Aziraphale to join them for Christmas dinner, saying that there would be plenty of food, but Crowley had chickened out. They'd only been together a couple of weeks at that point, and he didn't want to go too fast for Aziraphale. How long were you supposed to wait before meeting parents anyway? Definitely longer than this. By Christmas day they would've only been together for 3 weeks and a couple of days. He'd not even introduced Aziraphale to Anathema yet – which was just as well if Aziraphale was cheating on him.

The moment he saw Aziraphale - all smiles and with flour on his apron - Crowley felt an ache in his chest. He didn't want to ruin this. A part of him just wanted to pretend everything was perfectly fine. So they sat there with their tea and scones, although Crowley had no appetite.

There was a bouquet of flowers on the table, and jealousy immediately flared in Crowley's chest. But a quick glance at the card, which read, 'Get better soon. Uriel,' confirmed it was from Aziraphale's cousin.

"Are you alright, my dear? You're very quiet," said Aziraphale, putting down his teacup.

"Oh. Yeah. Sorry. Just a little bit hung over, I guess."

"Oh dear. Is there anything else I can get you?"

"Nah, It's cool. These scones look great."

"Let me know what you think of the jam," said Aziraphale as he buttered up his scone. "It's cranberry. Very festive! Waitrose. I got it when I got Gabriel's profiteroles." He rolled his eyes. "I've frozen them to make sure they keep. Gabriel won't like that, but what he doesn't know can't hurt him."

Now or never. Perfect opportunity.

Crowley tried to sound casual. "Oh, yeah. You said you were only dropping them off, right? Where did you say you're spending Christmas day?"

Aziraphale was suddenly awfully interested in his scone. He looked torn for a moment and then he let out a sigh. But rather than looking guilty he just looked embarrassed. "Well, normally I spend Christmas day with family but since my parents passed it's not been the same. Just Gabriel and Uriel. Not my idea of a good time. So. Well. I decided that this year I'd have Christmas at home for once. I told Gabriel I was going to Tracy's because I didn't want him to know the truth, but then he mentioned it in front of you, and I've been meaning to tell you the truth but… I suppose I was embarrassed. I'm terribly sorry."

"You're spending Christmas day on your own?" Crowley said in disbelief.

Aziraphale glared at him. "This is exactly why I didn't want to tell you or Gabriel or anyone. I've got a lovely evening planned. I've got a turkey steak and pigs in blankets, and I made my own Christmas pudding. I've got a lovely book put to one side, and some Christmas bebop. And I have a gingerbread house kit that I'm going to build and… stop looking at me like that. I'm going to have a wonderful time."

"I'm just surprised is all, but it sounds nice. So that's why you lied about Tracy? Because you didn't want anyone to know you were having Christmas dinner on your own?"

"I only intended to lie to Gabriel but then the lie snowballed and... Oh, what a mess. I was going to tell you the truth, I really was. I was just worried you'd think it was strange."

"It's not strange. But bloody hell, angel. I mentioned it to Tracy at my leaving do last night and she had no idea what I was talking about. I was starting to think you had a secret lover or something." Crowley had meant for that last line to sound like a joke, but it came out far more accusing than he'd intended.

Aziraphale's eyes widened. "No! Oh, my goodness, I would never. I'm so sorry I led you to believe that for even a second. You- You do believe me, don't you? The food is hidden in the freezer. I'll show you..." Aziraphale was on his feet in a heartbeat, aiming for the fridge-freezer but Crowley waved a hand dismissively.

"Nah. S'fine. I believe you. Why Tracy though? I mean, me and Gabriel both work with her. It's a wonder your lie didn't unravel sooner."

Aziraphale remained stood, his hands clasped together. "Well, in my defence, I hadn't met you yet when I originally lied to Gabriel. I felt rather put on the spot to explain why I wasn't staying for dinner and Tracy was the first person who came to mind. I know Tracy and Gabriel don't talk – in or out of work – so I didn't think it would be an issue."

"You do know he often swings by her desk when she brings in cake, right?"

Aziraphale's eyes widened. "Oh. Oh, no. I'd better talk to her, hadn't I? Oh, but she's going to kick up such a fuss. I know she won't want me on my own on Christmas Day no matter what I say."

"Look... What if– and it's cool if you say no. But what if you came with me to my mum's for Christmas? If it's not weird? Is it weird?"

"Oh," said Aziraphale, and to Crowley's surprise and delight, his eyes lit up. But then his face fell. "You don't have to. I wouldn't want to impose."

"You wouldn't be imposing. My mum already asked me to invite you - I was just worried you'd think it was a bit soon. But she's excited to meet you. You don't have to decide now. Just think about it, yeah?"

Aziraphale smiled. "You told your mum about me?"

"Yeah, of course I did," Crowley said, feeling his face heat up. "It'd just be you, me, my mum and Crawly. But like I said, no pressure. Just let me know by-"

"I'd love to," Aziraphale said. "If you're sure I'm welcome?"

"You're definitely welcome."

"Will there be enough food? I could bring my turkey and pigs in blankets."

"There'll be more than enough food, don't you worry about that. There's always plenty of leftovers. We'll be having turkey sandwiches into the new year."

"Would it be okay for me to bring my gingerbread house kit? Perhaps we could build it and eat it together?"

"Sure! I'm always in charge of desserts so that'd be a great help."

"Oh! Oh, I could make a soufflé!"

"Sure, angel."

"I usually put quite a lot of brandy in my soufflés. Maybe I should tone it down?"

"What? For my mum's sake? Nah. She likes a bit of booze."

"Oh good. I'll bring a nice bottle of wine too then."

Crowley grinned. "I'm sure she'd appreciate that. In fact, I'll WhatsApp her now, let her know you're joining us."

He sent a quick message, and a reply came through only a couple of minutes later.

Aziraphale looked nervous. "Was that your mother? What did she say?"

"Well, she's responded with loads of hearts and happy faces, so I think she's cool with it."

Aziraphale smiled.

"I have to warn you though," Crowley said, his voice suddenly serious. "You will have to wear a Christmas jumper. It's tradition."

"Wonderful! I have quite the collection."

Crowley grinned. "My mum lives just outside of London. A little place called Tadfield. I usually drive down on Christmas morning and come back a few days later. But I can always bring you back earlier if you need to open the bookshop or anything?"

"The bookshop will be closed until well into the New Year, so no worries there. I'll stay for as long as you'll have me."

Crowley smiled. "I'm glad to hear it! I'll drive you over to Gabriel's on the way if you like. I'll wait in the car. That'll give you a good excuse if you didn't want to stay long. I'll be fine though - I've got my tunes and Twitter."

Aziraphale gave him a soppy smile. "Oh, Crowley. My darling. You really are the sweetest thing."

Crowley wasn't used to being praised and he instantly felt flustered.

Aziraphale kept going. "You're the kindest, nicest-"

"Shuddup."

Aziraphale smirked. "Make me."

Crowley was on his feet and closing the gap between them in seconds, pushing Aziraphale back against the wall. Aziraphale let out a delighted noise and then Crowley silenced him with his mouth.

After going ice skating, Aziraphale made dinner for them both. They were still sat at his kitchen table when Crowley received a WhatsApp message from Anathema.

It read as follows: 'You and Aziraphale are spending Christmas together? That's adorable! But I can't have your mum meeting him before I do. I need to meet this angel asap!'

After a quick consultation with Aziraphale, Crowley replied.

'How about drinks tomorrow night if you're free? Let's make it a festive one – Christmas jumpers! Aziraphale would like to invite his friend Tracy too. (She's the one I told you about from my old job) I think you'll get along really well.'

The initial plans for drinks on Sunday turned into plans for dinner after Crowley miraculously managed to book a table at a Chinese restaurant despite it only being seven days before Christmas.

Soon the four of them were laughing around a table with their Christmas jumpers on, and Crowley felt relieved that everyone was getting along so well. Anathema and Aziraphale had quickly bonded over a mutual love of reading, while Anathema and Tracy had bonded over a shared interest in the occult.

Aziraphale was the first to read out the message from his fortune cookie. "Make new traditions to replace the old," he said with a chuckle. "I certainly will."

Tracy looked at hers next. "Oh, I like this one! 'In the cookie of life, your friends are the chocolate chips!'"

Crowley made a surprised noise as he looked at his own fortune. "'A change in career will bring improvements to your life.' It's like they know us!"

"Well, they certainly don't know me," Anathema said. "'The love of your life will appear unexpectedly.' Yeah, I wish!"

After the meal, they went out for drinks and then they shared a taxi which Aziraphale had pre-booked. It was his usual driver – Newton - and Anathema sat in the front with him, flirting outrageously. She was a bit tipsy, but Crowley could tell that her interest in him was genuine.

Crowley grinned when Anathema gave Newton her number before getting out of the car.

Once they'd dropped Tracy off too, Newton cleared his throat. "So… Aziraphale. Er. Do you think your friend, Anathema, really wants me to call her?"

"I'm sure she wouldn't have given you her number otherwise," said Aziraphale. "Do you want to call her?"

Newton's face heated up. "Yeah."

"She's definitely into you," Crowley said.

"Thanks, guys. I'll text her tomorrow."

Once the taxi had driven off, Crowley laughed. "Looks like Anathema's fortune came true after all."

"I think you may be right."

Author's Note:

The bit with the pram is a reference to a deleted scene in the show, where Aziraphale uses a miracle to stop a pram from going into the road. Human-Aziraphale has to make do with diving heroically after it!

I just wanted to confirm that Hastur's earlier fascination and surprise at finding out Crowley is gay (in earlier chapters) was actually because he's gay himself, in the closet, and didn't know any other gay people. Or at least, he thought he didn't know any other gay people.