"Hi, Aziraphale!"
Aziraphale looked up from the pot he'd been stirring and beamed. He'd set up camp at the foot of a rolling hill, not far from the Garden of Eden. "Hello!"
Crowley sauntered across the grass with his Pokémon by his side.
"Dinner will be ready in about fifteen minutes," Aziraphale said.
"Thanks. It smells amazing."
Aziraphale gave a proud smile.
Crowley had insisted on paying for their meals at the restaurant the night before, so Aziraphale had insisted on cooking for them this evening. They were having a spicy curry.
Crowley sat down. Rose bobbed up and down beside him, clearly excited about something.
"You'll never guess what I found while digging at work today," Crowley said.
Aziraphale raised an eyebrow while Crowley unfastened his rucksack.
Crowley pulled out two objects wrapped up in cloth. "Shadwell told me I could keep them."
With a flourish, Crowley uncovered what turned out to be two slightly damaged teapots. He put them on the table. "Look, a chipped pot and a cracked pot. We can use them to evolve our Sinisteas! You've got the antique form of Sinistea with the fancy stamp, so you'll need the chipped pot. The cracked pot is for my unstamped Sinistea. It's lucky I found one of each, huh?"
"Oh, my goodness. What an amazing find!" Aziraphale said. "Thank you."
Rose cheered with excitement.
Chamomile floated over to say hello to Rose, noticed the two pots, and went over to inspect them.
Aziraphale smiled at Chamomile. "What do you think? Would you like to evolve?"
Chamomile didn't respond, but it was clear that Rose wanted to evolve. The pink teacup was wiggling with enthusiasm.
Crowley held up the cracked pot and smiled as his Sinistea came closer. "Are you ready?"
Rose nodded and then immediately flew at the cracked pot. There was a flash of light and suddenly Crowley was holding a pink teapot, a purple ghost bouncing energetically around inside of it. The lid of the teapot was perched on their head like a little hat. Crowley laughed, a delighted smile on his face as he held his newly evolved Pokémon.
"Oh, I must get a picture of the two of you!" Aziraphale said. He grabbed his Pokédex and then took a photo while Crowley posed.
'Polteageist, the black tea Pokémon,' announced the Pokédex.
Rose wiggled out of Crowley's grip and flew down to the table where Chamomile sat near the other pot. The Polteageist pretended to pour tea into the Sinistea's teacup, making both Pokémon laugh. Crowley and Aziraphale laughed too, and Aziraphale hurriedly took another photo. What an adorable pair.
Rose gestured at the chipped pot with their spout, but when Chamomile turned towards it, their enthusiasm faded.
"It's yours if you want it," said Crowley.
Chamomile backed away from the pot, sticking out a purple hand and making a 'stop' gesture.
"It's alright," Aziraphale said. "You don't have to evolve if you don't want to. Oscar doesn't want to evolve either, do you Oscar."
Oscar nodded and gave Chamomile a reassuring hoot.
Aziraphale worried at his lower lip. "I do hope this isn't because I said Sinistea are one of my favourite Pokémon. Polteageists are a favourite too. Either way, I'm more than happy with whatever you decide."
Chamomile looked at Aziraphale before looking back at the chipped pot. They shook from side to side and then floated up into the air. Chamomile clinked against Rose chummily, and then they both flew away to play in the grass.
Crowley shrugged. "You might as well keep the chipped pot, just in case Chamomile changes their mind later."
"Thank you. That's a good idea." Aziraphale picked up the teapot and gently wrapped it up again before putting it into his rucksack.
It wasn't long before the curry was ready. They shared it with all of their Pokémon, and then, once the curry was gone, Aziraphale put the kettle on and made tea.
Chamomile and Rose soon drained the teacup they'd been sharing. Chamomile drifted across to Aziraphale's teapot.
"It's empty, my dear," Aziraphale said. "You can have a sip of my tea if you like. Or I can put the kettle on again if you- Oh!"
There came the clink of porcelain against porcelain. Chamomile started to glow, along with Aziraphale's vintage tartan-print teapot. The light faded, revealing a very happy Polteageist.
Aziraphale let out a surprised laugh. ""My darling, that was a family heirloom!"
Chamomile looked sheepish.
"It's quite alright," Aziraphale said, patting Chamomile fondly on the lid. "This is a wonderful way to immortalise that teapot. You look ever so smart." He lowered his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "And this gives me the perfect excuse to buy one of those nifty tea sets for sale in the town centre. There was one with a repeating Battenburg cake pattern!"
Both Polteageists flew around together, the little ghosts inside more animated in this form, reaching out for each other. Aziraphale looked at Crowley who was sipping at his tea and watching them, a smile on his face. Aziraphale turned away, not wanting to risk getting caught staring.
As the sun began to set, Aziraphale and Crowley gathered fallen branches and used them to build a fire. Char proudly lit it for them, and then they roasted marshmallows over the flickering flames.
Aziraphale and Crowley sat side by side. Oscar was perched on Aziraphale's shoulder, stealing bites of marshmallow. Aegislash had swapped his shield for some marshmallows on a stick, and Char sat beside Crowley with a stick of his own, roasting his marshmallows using the flame on the tip of his tail. The rest of their Pokémon were fast asleep in their Poké Balls.
The sky had long since gone dark, the only light coming from the fire and the distant lights of the nearest Poké Centre.
Crowley was using his Pokédex to take artsy photos of the fire, and then he started taking selfies.
Aziraphale was scrolling through his own photo reel, smiling as he got to the pictures of Rose and Chamomile. He found the photo of Crowley hugging Rose. Crowley looked so happy, a smile lighting up his lovely face. Aziraphale's stomach fluttered. Crowley really was incredibly handsome, and for the first time, Aziraphale could freely admire him without any risk of getting caught.
When Crowley had been in Team Rocket, Aziraphale had forced himself to ignore his attraction - for the most part anyway. But now that Crowley had turned his back on a life of crime, it felt like new possibilities were opening up. With that obstacle gone, there was nothing holding Aziraphale back from making a move – except for his own fears and doubts.
What if Crowley didn't like him in that way? What if he wasn't even attracted to men? What if Crowley laughed at him? Aziraphale didn't dare confess. Even if by some miracle Crowley did like him back, Aziraphale had never dated anyone before. He'd never even kissed anyone. What if he made a fool of himself?
Aziraphale put down his Pokédex and looked up. The glow of the fire lit Crowley beautifully, highlighting his cheekbones and making his amber eyes shine. He was out of Aziraphale's league.
Crowley turned so that he could pose with the fire in the background and stuck out his tongue at the camera.
Their eyes met.
Aziraphale's stomach twisted at the realisation that he'd been caught staring, and yet it was Crowley who looked embarrassed and lowered his Pokédex.
"Sorry. I just really like taking selfies. It's kinda fun."
"Oh! Yes, it does look like fun. I- Er…" Aziraphale picked up his Pokédex and flicked back to the photo he'd taken of Crowley. "Here. I took a good one of you and Rose earlier. Shall I send it to you?"
Crowley's face lit up. "Please."
And that was how Aziraphale got Crowley's number.
Crowley smiled at the photo once it was on his own Pokédex, and then he looked up at Aziraphale with a grin. "Thanks! Can I take a photo of you and me together?"
"Of me? Er. Yes. Of course."
Aziraphale dared to edge ever so slightly closer to Crowley. Crowley meanwhile slid right up beside him and all but draped himself around Aziraphale as he held out his Pokédex at arm's length, leaning in for the shot. Aziraphale's face felt hot - and it wasn't from the fire. He tried to remember how smiling worked.
Oscar made a grumpy sound and fluttered down from where he'd been sitting on Aziraphale's shoulder. He landed on the ground and then attempted to surreptitiously steal a marshmallow from the bag. He finally wrestled a marshmallow free, making Aziraphale chuckle.
Crowley shuffled away, his gaze fixed on his Pokédex. "Hey, these photos are really good! I'll send them to you."
Oscar returned to Aziraphale's shoulder and peered at the Pokédex screen while Aziraphale opened the photos. The first was of Aziraphale smiling shyly while Crowley beamed beside him. In the second they were both grinning from ear to ear, no doubt in reaction to Oscar's escapades. The third photo made Aziraphale snort with laughter. It was a picture of Oscar with his face pushed into the marshmallow bag.
Oscar let out a shocked hoot and narrowed his eyes at Crowley.
Crowley stifled a laugh. "I'm sorry, I couldn't resist."
Oscar rolled his eyes.
Crowley leaned forward and threw the last of the firewood onto the dying flames. "S'getting a bit chilly. I'm gonna fetch my sleeping bag." He got up, unzipped his tent, and pulled out a black sleeping bag. A pattern of constellations had been embroidered onto it in a golden thread.
Aziraphale went to his own tent to retrieve his own sleeping bag.
"Even your sleeping bag is tartan!" Crowley said.
Aziraphale smiled proudly, feeling wonderfully stylish. "Yes, I couldn't believe my luck when I found it in the camping shop. Your sleeping bag is lovely, by the way. Very sophisticated."
"Thanks. I like Astronomy." Crowley unzipped his sleeping bag and slithered inside. He looked up at the sky. "We've got a really good view of the stars tonight."
Aziraphale paused while getting into his own sleeping bag, tipping his face upwards. Stars glittered in the sky high above them. "My goodness. They're ever so bright."
"Yep. Cloudless nights like this are really good for stargazing. It's one of my favourite parts of camping." Crowley laid back on the grass and crossed his arms behind his head.
Aziraphale laid down beside him. "Can you see any constellations?"
Crowley immediately pointed upwards. "You see that star that's brighter than all the others? That's Alpha Centauri. But guess what? It's actually two stars circling each other."
Aziraphale made an intrigued sound.
"It's part of the Centaurus constellation. Alpha Centauri is the Centaurs foot."
Aziraphale frowned. "But I thought Sagittarius was the Centaur? Or are they the same constellation?"
Crowley turned to face him, excitement in his eyes. "Not many people know this, but there are two different constellations depicted as Centaurs! Sagittarius is better known, probably because of the Zodiac. The centaur of Centaurus is said to be wise and gentle, while the centaur of Sagittarius is said to be aggressive and warlike. When I was a kid I had a poster on my wall of those two constellations. The centaurs were half-human, half-Mudsdale."
"At my school, Sagittarius was depicted as being half Rapidash. He even had flames on his bow and arrow. Do you have a favourite constellation?"
"Serpens. It's a giant snake. Just like Ashtoreth! Although Serpens is usually portrayed as a Serperior." Crowley yawned. He rolled onto his back again and closed his eyes. "I could fall asleep right here. In fact, I think I will."
"Out in the open?"
Crowley opened one eye. "Haven't you ever slept under the stars before?"
Aziraphale shook his head. "No. Unless you count being in a tent."
"Well, you should try it."
Aziraphale nodded, feeling determined. "Yes, I think I should. Aegislash, will you keep watch over us tonight, old boy?"
Aegislash stood tall and made a sound of agreement.
"Thank you."
Char got up from where he'd been curled up beside the fire and settled down beside Crowley instead. Crowley put an arm around him.
"Oscar, did you want to return to your Poké Ball to sleep?" Aziraphale asked.
Oscar shook his head and hopped up onto Aziraphale's chest. He closed his eyes.
"Good night everyone," said Aziraphale. "Sweet dreams."
"Sweet dreams," Crowley said sleepily.
Aziraphale lay there, staring up at the stars. He heard Crowley's breathing level out, and when he looked across, his friend was fast asleep. Crowley's face was turned ever so slightly towards him, moonlight playing on his features. He looked so innocent and relaxed that Aziraphale couldn't help but smile.
Aziraphale picked up his Pokédex and looked through the photos of Crowley and himself together. The way Crowley was leaning in made it look like they were a couple. Aziraphale bit his lower lip. He put his Pokédex away, took out his sleeping mask, and then settled down and fell asleep.
Crowley awoke with the morning sun. He checked the time on his Pokédex and saw that it was half an hour before the alarm on his Pokédex was due to go off. He switched the alarm off so it wouldn't wake Aziraphale or the sleeping Pokémon.
Aziraphale was on his back with a beige sleeping mask over his eyes. His hair looked extra soft and fluffy this morning, and Crowley found himself wondering what it felt like. Aziraphale was snoring ever so gently, his lips slightly parted. Oscar was sprawled across Aziraphale's chest, snoring like a Snorlax.
Char's eyes opened the moment Crowley sat up, so Crowley whispered a good morning to him, and then he spotted Aegislash, leaning casually against a tree. Crowley gave him a friendly wave, and Aegislash waved back, holding his shield one handed.
Crowley got ready for work in his tent, and then he set up his little gas stove. Char lit it for him, and then Crowley started cooking breakfast, making sure there was plenty for himself, Aziraphale, and all of their Pokémon.
Yesterday, after finishing work, Crowley had nipped to a local Deli to stock up on breakfast supplies. He had money now, so he could afford nice things. He didn't want Aziraphale to think he was broke, which was exactly what he'd confessed to during their argument, much to his embarrassment. But now he had a job, he could prove himself. He'd taken Aziraphale to the fanciest, most expensive restaurant in Eden Village. He could afford to wait a day or two before he started saving money to pay Team Rocket back. For now, he wanted to impress Aziraphale, maybe even romance him.
He was fairly certain Aziraphale fancied him. He'd caught him looking a few times, and Aziraphale had gone all pink when Crowley had sidled up close to him to take that photo yesterday. Crowley had tried to flirt, but he had no idea what he was doing. Maybe he should wait for Aziraphale to make the first move - he probably knew more about this sort of thing. Crowley had never been in a relationship before. He'd never even kissed anyone. He felt nervous, but also excited at the thought of what could happen between them.
The aroma of a cooked breakfast roused Aziraphale from his sleep. He sniffed the air, and then pulled away his sleeping mask and sat up. He looked over to where Crowley had set up his table.
Crowley grinned. "Good morning, Aziraphale. Fancy some breakfast? There's plenty for everyone."
Aziraphale's eyes lit up. "Oh, thank you so much! It smells divine. Do I smell bacon?"
"Yup. We're having pancakes with bacon and sausages."
Oscar woke up with a pained sound. He squinted and covered his eyes with a wing.
Aziraphale hugged him close. "Too bright? I'm sorry, my dear. You're not used to being awake this early in the morning. Would you like to return to your Poké Ball for a good nap?"
Oscar seemed indecisive.
"Is it the lure of a cooked breakfast?"
Oscar nodded.
"I can save you some if-"
But Oscar was already flying across to Crowley. He landed on the edge of the table.
Crowley gave him a big smile. "Would you like maple syrup or blueberries on your pancakes, Oscar?"
Oscar pointed a wing at the maple syrup.
"Good choice. Bacon? Sausages? Both. Of course."
Aegislash and Char had already eaten the first platefuls that were ready, and the rest of Crowley's Pokémon had come out of their Poké Balls soon after and were now busy industriously chowing down their own breakfasts.
Once Oscar's breakfast was in front of him, Crowley went back to flipping pancakes and turning sausages. He smiled at Aziraphale. "There's coffee in the pot, and more pancakes will be ready any minute."
Aziraphale sat down at the table and poured coffee for the both of them. Crowley took great delight in placing Aziraphale's breakfast in front of him and seeing the pleasure on Aziraphale's face as he ate.
Once everything had been cooked, Aziraphale brought out the rest of his Pokémon to join in on the feast. Crowley made himself a plate, but only a small portion as he'd been nibbling while he cooked. He sat down beside Aziraphale, feeling wonderfully content.
Afterwards, Aziraphale did the washing up while Crowley packed away his tent and table.
Crowley sauntered off to work while Aziraphale waved him goodbye. The moment Aziraphale was out of sight, Crowley found he missed him already.
A few days later, Aziraphale, Crowley, and Newt were eating sandwiches at a table in the Garden of Eden. It was Crowley and Newt's lunch break.
They were mid conversation when Crowley suddenly froze, gaped at something over Aziraphale's shoulder, and then dove under the table.
Aziraphale looked behind himself nervously but saw nothing untoward. "Whatever's the matter?"
Bentley, who'd been hovering beside Crowley, made a panicked noise and then joined him under the table.
"What's going on?" Newt asked.
"Bicycle girl," Crowley said ominously.
Newt and Aziraphale both looked at each other. "Who?" they asked in unison.
"Um. So… I tried to rob her. When I was in Team Rocket. It really pissed her off."
"People don't generally like being robbed," said Aziraphale dryly.
A woman stormed towards them, her skirts billowing angrily around her.
"Anathema!" Newt said happily.
"What's that idiot doing here?" Anathema demanded. "The redhead under the table! He's with Team Rocket!" She put her hands on her hips. "Come out! I know you're there!"
"M'sorry!" Crowley said from under the table. "I'm not with Team Rocket anymore! I quit!"
"That's Crowley," said Newt. "He's our newest gardener."
Anathema whirled on Newt. "You hired someone who was in Team Rocket?!"
"Er. Actually, Shadwell does the hiring."
"Well, it's just as well you quit," Anathema informed the tablecloth. "You were useless at stealing. I sent you packing then, and I'll do it now!"
"He is rubbish at it, isn't he?" said Newt. "He robbed me, but then he fixed my Pokédex."
"He robbed you?!" Anathema said in disbelief. She glared at the table. "Are you coming out from under there or what?"
"I paid him back," Crowley squeaked.
Slowly, warily, Crowley emerged. He gave her a nervous smile and then sat back in his chair with his shoulders hunched.
Anathema leaned towards him. "I've got my eye on you, so don't try anything funny."
"No, Miss."
Anathema turned her gaze on Aziraphale and narrowed her eyes. "Who are you then? Are you in Team Rocket?"
"Good Heavens, no. Crowley robbed me too. He paid me back straight away though."
Anathema stared at him in disbelief. "So I guess we're all just befriending our muggers then, are we? You two are idiots. I need a coffee." And with that, she swept off to the cafe.
All eyes turned to Newt.
"Is she your girlfriend?" Crowley asked, sounding awed.
"Er. I think so? We had a one-night thing during a hurricane, and... Yeah. Then she had to go check on her grandmother. This is the first time I've seen her since then... How do you know if you're in a relationship?"
Aziraphale and Crowley both shrugged.
Anathema returned, drew up a chair beside Newt, and then gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Hi, by the way."
She sipped her coffee while Newt grinned beside her with a dazed look on his face.