Chapter Text
They stood solemnly at the funeral, rain pattering down on the dark umbrella that was held above their heads. Aziraphale had tears in his eyes and quite the frown sprawled across his face. “I just- I cannot believe he’s gone.” Aziraphale managed to choke out, dabbling at his eyes with his handkerchief. “Mmh...” Crowley mumbled in response, sighing and peering down at the coffin that was now being lowered into the ground. Aziraphale took a step closer to Crowley. “Humans come and go, I suppose.” Crowley finally spluttered out, kicking at the ground. “It all went by too fast.” Aziraphale took Crowley’s hand into his.
In the distance, three elderly figures stood. Pepper was proving her strength, holding back any and all tears that formed in her dark and usually soulful eyes. Brian was quieter than he had ever been in any of his years of living, staring down with a gloomy smile. Wensleydale had his glasses in his breast pocket and had obviously been thinking for quite some time.
“Adam was such a nice fellow. Even when he was the antichrist. I’d like to think we did a wonderful job as godfathers.” Aziraphale mumbled half to Crowley and half to himself. Crowley hummed bitterly. He was never good with mourning or grief, yet the alcohol at this event didn’t quite give him the punch he usually needed to get by. “Do you hear me, Crowley?” Aziraphale looked up at him to see tears streaming from beneath the black glasses. “Oh, dear. I miss him too.” Aziraphale bumbled closer, his forehead creasing with concern. “We don’t have to stay long, Crowley. We can go home whenever you’d like.” Aziraphale kept rambling, attempting to be comforting but rather messing things up more. Crowley did not have the energy to feel angry.
“I can drive if you’d like-“ Aziraphale hesitantly offered. He got cut off by a sharp glare and a sad, sad smile. “That’s quite alright, angel. Just give me a minute more.” Aziraphale nodded and made his way to the Bentley, his chest heavy. He hoped to be back at the bookshop, cuddled up on the sofa with a good book and a cup of cocoa. He wondered if Crowley wanted the same.
Crowley strode up to the three figures and chatted with them for a while. He patted their backs before heading to the car. The door clicked as it opened and Crowley sat himself down in the drivers seat. “This is why, angel, I never bother making friends with mortals.” Crowley rested his forehead on the steering wheel. Aziraphale gently rubbed his back. “I know, dear. We’ll be home in no time.” Aziraphale ran a hand through Crowley’s hair and tried to get a good look at his husbands face. “Dear?” Crowley did not answer.
The drive home felt longer than Aziraphale and Crowley had been pining for each other, and the weather was forcing Crowley to drive at the speed limit. “I know you have something on your mind.” Aziraphale nearly whispered, the rain bouncing off the cars windows and creating a satisfying patting-popping sound. “Mmhhh...” Crowley replied with a slow and throaty groan, somewhat tired of his husband’s growing concern. “We’ll talk about it later, then? Before bed? After a cup of cocoa?” Aziraphale was licking his lips at the thought of the tingling warmth of a mug in his hand. “Mhm...” Crowley agreed in a sleepy, hazed way.
They arrived at the bookshop where their parking spot had always been conveniently empty, almost like someone had created the illusion of a car in its place... Aziraphale helped Crowley out of the car and opened the door to the bookshop for him. “Go on, now, dear. Sit on the couch.” Aziraphale patted Crowley’s bottom gently and made his merry way to the kitchen.
Aziraphale brought two steaming mugs to the living-area, which happened to be right in the middle of the bookshop. “Crowley?” Aziraphale used his inside-voice, making sure not to startle the demon. “Angel...” Crowley called back. His voice sounded rather weak. “Oh come on, dear! Chin up high. I made you some cocoa and I’ll fetch your favourite blanke-“ “I want him back, Aziraphale.” Crowley felt his chest collapsing. “Crowley, dear-“ Aziraphale sighed, “he can’t come back anymore.” Crowley’s face looked drenched in shock. “He was here just a moment ago, remember? He invited us to his Christmas party, we went to his wedding!” Crowley argued broken-heartedly. “That was years ago, love.” Aziraphale handed Crowley his cocoa and sat extremely close to him.
“Remember when Anathema died? You cried for days, dear. And when Dog had left? You comforted Adam with me. This is just another bump in God’s in-“ “God’s ineffable plan.” Crowley finished off for Aziraphale, sipping at his cocoa gently.