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Dear Diary,
I’m sorry that it’s been a while since I last wrote something down.
There are quite a few things I think I should update you on. First and foremost, we have given the shop a much needed renovation since last we spoke. Not in the actual shop floor, of course, goodness me, but all around it.
The kitchenette is no longer a kitchenette, but a fully functioning kitchen with shiny new appliances and tools I don’t even really know the use of. Crowley makes us delicious meals in there, and if I may say so myself - I’ve improved my baking skills immensely, too. Just last night, Crowley made us a fantastic meal of Dimsum to which I paired some lovely egg tarts for dessert. There is also an entire cupboard dedicated to our favourite teas!
Furthermore, we cleared out and enlarged a storage closet to now function as a wonderfully spacious wardrobe! All my favourite bow ties and shirts are displayed in a most pleasing manner, I must say. Crowley’s side is a bit messier, but there are still some pieces in there that I was very happy to see again after so many years. He really does have a keen fashion sense, despite it being so modern.
The little patio on the roof of the hose is completely renovated too, of course. There is now a lovely pergola up there, with slithering grape vines making for a lovely ceiling and protection from the sun when needed. How I adore sitting up there reading. I’m not entirely sure how we are going to take care of it during the colder months, but I have much faith that Crowley, the darling, has already figured out a way to care for the plants at least.
Speaking of plants, there are so many now in the shop that I’ve had to install several self watering stations both here and there. I was a little concerned about the longevity of my books at first, but I have since been assured that the moisture shan’t reach them - and the more fragile pieces I keep in the back room, or in the basement.
Ah, yes, the basement! Crowley surprised me with that one day. I came back from a trip to Copenhagen, and he handed me a little brass key and the end of a parcel string. It turned out to lead all the way down into a space I hadn’t visited for maybe a century. Down there is now my very own studio space, where I can make book repairs and rebindings without any disturbances. It sure took me a while to figure out how to thank him for that lovely gift. But I managed in the end. Crowley sure seemed to enjoy it.
There is another addition that I won’t forget to mention. The bedroom. Rarely used by me before of course - it is now fitted with a lovely, antique, four poster bed, custom bookshelves around the walls, and two miniature, indoor, greenhouses fit for planting various herbs and spices.
Crowley still insists the shop is entirely mine, but believe me when I say we both get plenty of use out of it these days.
He spends a lot of nights here - to my delight. Sometimes sleeping, sometimes lounging, caring for the plants, helping me reorganise, experimenting in the kitchen. He recently picked up writing, but has yet dared show me anything. Oh, how tempting it is to just steal a quick peek when he is away, or drifting off into dreams. So far, I’ve been good though. I wouldn’t actually impede on his personal life like that, no matter how curious I become. He will show me when he is ready.
I try my absolute best to show him my appreciation and care, every single day. We talk a lot more about our feelings now, and what things bother us, or scare us, or concern us. It seems to do the trick most of the time. Now, he wouldn’t admit it, of course, but I think Crowley secretly really likes our more emotion-heavy chats. He is always very keen on being physically close after them, at least. Sitting close by on the sofa, slinging an arm around my shoulder. Nuzzling up to my side in the bed. Absolutely attacking me with pecks and kisses at the oddest times. Holding my hand, or putting his head in my lap as I read.
More than once I’ve heard him purr when I’ve run my hand through his hair, then. Actually purr! And I thought it impossible to be more adoring of him than I already was. How he proves me wrong, time and time again.
Safe to say, though I have been absent - I have not been lonely or unoccupied. Neither do I feel I will ever be again.
I’d like to inform you, dear diary number 4437, that your pages are coming to an end, like so many of your brothers’ and sisters’ before you. It’s the natural way of things. I’d also like to thank you for your most needed company and faith. I honestly don’t think I could have come this far without you.
Tomorrow, me and Crowley are going for a little outing, and I hope to visit this lovely little craft store I know of, where I shall pick out a new book to christen diary 4438. I’m well excited to make its acquaintance. If it is even half the book you are, I should be very proud of it.
But before any of that, I shall go upstairs to where - by the sounds of it - Crowley has made his way into our bed. I shall pick out a nice story for myself to read tonight, and I shall wish him happy dreams.
It has truly become one of my favourite traditions. Kissing him goodnight.
His Forever, Lovingly,
Aziraphale.