Chapter Text
Looking at the bookshelves that were mostly empty made Crowley’s stomach feel like it was on fire.
His eyes wandered around, to the high part of the ceiling to the second floor, to the ground where his feet were holding him up. He already felt a slight wobble as he almost lost his balance while standing there. Today was not a good day to regress.
Boxes were set up by the front door, where all of his toys and stuffies were stored with safety in mind. All of Aziraphale’s books and journals from over the centuries that he plans on composing into a huge book about absolute historical fact or something like that, but Crowley couldn’t focus on remembering right now.
It was all going to change. They have to say goodbye to the bookshop. They already said goodbye to Lady Tracy, and Mrs. Sandwich, and countless other humans that Aziraphale is acquainted with.
But Crowley didn’t want to say goodbye. Especially to someone like Nina or… or Mrs. Rivera.
He loves the bookshop. It was the one place that, when he was big, he could take his glasses off and feel safe enough to be himself.
“Dear?” Aziraphale said, holding two boxes in his hands “can you please help me? I need you to get a box that’s high on the shelf, would you be a sweetheart?”
Crowley turned to face the angel with Friend the turtle in his arms, tears hanging off of his eyelashes.
All that Aziraphale needed was one good look, and he was sighing with a heavy heart. “Oh my, it’s going to be ok.”
“No, Zira! Not ok!” Crowley said back, curling up on himself as tears went down his face. “Don’t wanna go!” He sobbed, shaking from his shoulders all the way down to his legs.
The echo of the bookshop made Crowley’s body shake, reminding him that change has already started and won’t be stopping. His hands clutched his turtle stuffie so tight to his chest as he cried, wiping his tears onto the backs of his hands.
Without noticing, Crowley was scooped up by Aziraphale, gently rocking with a warm hand rubbing his back. The tiny demon let out a choked sob, nuzzling his nose into Aziraphale’s sweater.
“Change is scary, I will not deny that,” Aziraphale whispered, placing Crowley’s head right where he’d be able to listen to his heartbeat. “But I’ll be here every step of the way. You and me, our side.” He pressed a kiss into Crowley’s temple, feeling that he somewhat calmed down, but he was still softly crying.
“Will I ever get to see Nina and Maggie and Mrs. Rivera again?”
“Sweetstar, we can always come up to visit them or they’d be invited to our new cottage for tea parties anytime you want.” Aziraphale smiled, loving how even little Crowley openly cares about his friends and chosen ones.
“Well we still go to the park and see all the ducks?”
“We have a new garden, a whole pond full of all sorts of animals of ours at our new cottage. Don’t you remember coming with me?” Aziraphale placed his hand in the tiny demon’s hair, sorting out messy curls near his neck.
“Oh,” Crowley said, and it was the way he said it that told Aziraphale he was very exhausted.
“Did you get good sleep, my dear boy?” The angel coaxed Crowley to peek his head out for him to take a good look at him.
“No, because I don’t want to go… I’m scared, Zira.”
“I know, I know. But we have to face our fears, and I know my curious demon will feel more himself when we get there and have him all set. You’ll be able to run around for hours my darling.”
Crowley’s eyes widened, softly smiling as Aziraphale smiled back. “For how long?” He giggled, sniffling and rubbing his eyes dry.
“For this long.” Aziraphale placed him down on his feet and then extended his arms and wings all the way out, the shining white wings making Crowley’s eyes twinkle.
“Woah,” he said, and all the worried shaking was gone which made Aziraphale much more at ease. “Can we fly there?” His hand reaching out to Aziraphale’s wings, soft feathers on his fingertips.
“I believe so, not too many humans out there. We can do whatever you have dreamed of doing.”
And they both smiled at each other, holding hands, a comfortable silence between them before Aziraphale brought Crowley into a tight hug.
“This is going to be our house, my dear. Just like it’s our side.”
“Home?” Crowley’s eyes shone over with a dormant desire that just erupted into life.
“Home sweet home.” Aziraphale smiled and leaned down to kiss Crowley’s forehead. “I love you Crowley, it’s going to be such a unique change.”
“I love you too Zira, it’s gonna be fun, right?”
“Right.” And one more kiss let Crowley’s nerves deteriorate away, trickling off of his face as the demon softly smiled.
They were going to be ok, it’s their home that they will create together and spend the rest of eternity together.