Chapter 25 -The Balance

Occasionally, one of them would get a message from their offices – not an assignment, as they were now their own freelance entity, but queries or information that would benefit from review by "The Balance"- the term used by both offices to refer to the angel and former demon (or dark angel, as God put it), since they were discouraged from calling them 'the traitors', 'the Humangels', or other less polite terms.

To the two angels, the regular day-to-day business hadn't changed much, except they did not have to hide their work alliance. Their personal lives were the 'quiet, peaceful, existence' they had dreamt of. Aziraphale, no longer worried for Crowley, appeared less frenetic and put that energy into protecting others. Crowley outwardly maintained his hard-edged appearance and sarcasm (which was needed to cut through the posturing when dealing with Upstairs or Downstairs) but was sometimes caught smiling and laughed easily.

Aziraphale didn't think he could be any happier; he had his books and music, friends, and Crowley. His work kept him busy and respected, with other worldly ambassadors often contacting him for advice on their local issues.

Crowley was astonished at the fact that he now had friends (plural). Maggie and Nina, Jesus and Mary, the Plants, Muriel, and Aziraphale (always) seemed to enjoy his presence. It was right there in front of him, as Jesus foretold. He &

and Aziraphale would spend all night talking history and philosophy at the bookshop, or in the upper room of Crowley's flat, watching movies with the Plants and apprentices, playing snakes and ladders, or lying in bed making plans. He even brought Eric up from Hell for a night of clubbing or mosh pits when he felt the demon had been blown up too many times and needed a break.

Crowley kept his flat- he used it for his new assignment as Inter-Realm Ambassador. Sometimes Aziraphale came over and sat in the upper room, having tea and conversing with the Plants, who were incredibly knowledgeable- perhaps from listening to BBC radio.

One evening, after a long meeting between the realms, Crowley came into the candlelit room where Aziraphale and the Plants were listening to a Haydn symphony. The Angel was writing in his journal, but stopped when the Ambassador entered, "Hugo is a huge Classical music fan."

Crowley set Aziraphale's wallet on the writing table. "I found this when I got the flat back. Since I've seen yours, I'll show you mine." He set the thermos, the clay pot, ("Jemimah?", Aziraphale asked), the bullet catch pamphlet, the Bentley bill of sale, and the book of poetry taken from the book shop. Marking 'To A Star' was a single white feather and a note, which read: 'Mr. Crowley, you have my undying gratitude. You helped me realize my dream. I hope you find your star someday, LMD'."

Aziraphale opened his wallet, stroked the black feather and reread the note he had left Crowley. "Turn it over", the former demon said, which Aziraphale did to read his response:

"Angel,

Neither of us seem to be able to say it. The Fall was my blessing; it gave me my best friend. Without you, I would have truly been in Hell. You were my hope the world could be better. It always hurt to hear you say it, but I will say what you need to hear – "I forgive you."

Anthony Jokim Crowley"

As Aziraphale read Crowley's reply, his fingers moved unconsciously to his lips, which quivered slightly.

"All is forgiven, Angel; yet there is nothing to forgive." Crowley moved Aziraphale's hand away and gave him a quick kiss. No agenda, just contact with the soul that mattered most to him.

Aziraphale, still holding Crowley's hand and blushing. "It all lead us here." He glanced at the signature, "Jokim?"

"It means 'made the sun stand still'. Don't you think that fits?" Crowley worried that his choice was disappointing.

"Of course it does. You've made suns and you've made time stand still. It describes you to a ….. 'J'. Have a seat, Jokim." Aziraphale put the letter in his wallet and the wallet next to his journal.

Crowley sat next to his Angel and let Jemimah show him all the new leaves she had grown in his absence.