Chapter Text
Just when he thought Aziraphale was reprogramming himself away from heavenly bullshit, Aziraphale went nattering on about “forgiveness.”
His lips felt like they were bruised. Nope, nope, nope.
Crowley was about to gather what remained of his dignity, storm out, and take his car off to the Ritz to get absolutely pissed.
And yet, as he passed the threshold, he caught a glimpse of Nina through the window, working the espresso machine for the morning rush of patrons. He remembered her and Maggie’s earnest advice to “just talk.”
Why did he have to be the bigger person?
Groaning, he turns around.
Rubbing his temples, he spits. “Aziraphale, wait, sit down.”
He’s somewhat gratified by the sight of Aziraphale flitting about, hand flying between his chest and his lips, apparently too distracted to hear him.
“Aziraphale!”
The angel’s head shoots up. “I- Have you changed your mind?”
The sight of Aziraphale’s hopeful eyes solidifies his half-formed decision. Aziraphale wasn’t rejecting him. He was rejecting the circumstances he proposed.
Crowley remembers Beelzebub and Gabriel, proudly declaring that location doesn’t matter, as long as they’re together.
He could compromise. Even if it meant returning to that toxic place he used to call home until Aziraphale realized it wasn’t. His home was with Crowley, and he’d see that. He would.
“I’m willing to return with you. For a month only. A trial period, we’ll call it.”
Aziraphale’s eyes turn impossibly bright and he clasps his hands. “Oh, Crowley. I promise you won’t regret it.”
“On these conditions! I stay a demon. I go back and forth between Earth and Heaven as I please. And we aren’t an us until you make your decision at the end of the month on whether to keep on.”
As Crowley watches Aziraphale excitedly go on and on about his proposed changes to make Heaven a better place for both of them, he knew that the system would beat him up, chew him out, and leave him jaded.
And Crowley would be standing there on the other side.
What’s one more month of waiting?