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“Barbie?” Crowley asked, shocked at the angel’s choice of film. They had been discussing the possibility of seeing a film together and Aziraphale had suggested Barbie of all things.
“Yes,” he said with a grin. “Ms. Handler was a dear woman. In fact, she sent me quite a few early prototypes of Barbie. I still have them… somewhere.”
“You’re kidding.”
“Not at all,” Aziraphale said.
“You’ve never struck me as the doll type,” Crowley said, eyeing the angel.
“Well I am quite enthusiastic about this one,” Aziraphale said.
“You never cease to amaze me. Six thousand years and I’m still learning new things about you,” Crowley said.
“Keeps things fresh,” Aziraphale replied with a grin. Crowley raised an eyebrow at that but said nothing. “Of course, we’ll need to be in our best pink attire.”
“I don’t wear pink," Crowley said resolutely.
“Please,” Aziraphale asked with that little pout that he knew the demon could never resist.
Crowley grimaced, “I don’t even own anything pink.”
“You could miracle something,” Aziraphale said cheerfully.
Crowley sighed dramatically, the things he did for his angel. “I will agree to miracling my hair pink only, that’s it!”
“I rather think a little pink shirt would look rather fetching on you,” Aziraphale said. The angel knew how to play into Crowley’s vanity. He may not have always been good at being a demon, but he was vain as any other. Crowley pursed his lips and huffed. Aziraphale danced his fingers ever so gently over Crowley’s shoulders in a way that always drove the demon mad. They both knew Crowley would give in. He never could say no to the angel. Not for long anyway.
“Fine!” He ground out.
Aziraphale beamed excitedly. “Oh thank you!” Crowley gave his best effort at a mock pout but there wasn’t any grit behind it. Despite himself, Crowley would never tire of seeing the angel smile and he would have done anything to see it as often as possible. Especially when it was directed at him. It rather felt like basking in the sun's rays. Warm and magnificent, and somehow brightening him from the inside out. Best put a stop to that line of thought right now, he told himself.
“I’ll procure the tickets,” Aziraphale said gleefully.
Crowley gave him a smile despite himself. There was something about the absolute joy on his angel's face that made Crowley feel as though he were soaring through the air. It didn’t hurt that they were going to be going to a film together and that felt… special. Not that it was a date or anything, Crowley quickly reminded himself. Their relationship had always existed in a tenuous place. Somewhere between not a relationship and not not a relationship. The two had been dancing around one another for an eternity now. If he allowed himself time to think about it, Crowley would acknowledge that he was perfectly happy to make things official with the angel. But Aziraphale was complicated at best. The last thing he wanted was to scare him away. Crowley had long ago learned to pump the breaks as it were where Aziraphale was concerned. The words you go too fast for me, an ever repeating track in his mind. Definitely not a date, he told himself. Just two people going to see a movie, privately in a dark cinema.
On Friday Crowley stood in his flat staring at his reflection in the mirror and the newly miracled bright pink hair and pink shirt. He had been staring at himself for the better part of the last ten minutes feeling just a bit daft. It was not at all his scene, but then he had promised Aziraphale and he was nothing if not a demon of his word. The look on his face had been far too precious to resist.
“Well in for a penny in for a pound,” he thought as he put on his sunglasses. With a snap of his fingers, the usual black sunglasses were quickly replaced by a pair of pink heart-shaped sunglasses with reflective pink lenses.
For a brief moment he was tempted, and wasn’t that ironic, to miracle the Bentley pink for the occasion, but that rather felt like a bridge too far, and anyway, Aziraphale might like it too much and ask him to keep it that way. Or worse, he’d think Crowley trying a bit too hard to impress him. That wouldn’t do at all. Instead, Crowley left his flat and made his way towards the elevator, and down to his awaiting Bentley. As if sensing his previous desire the hubcaps were a shade of pink. He eyed them for a brief moment, then shrugged, and pulled off down the lane, towards the bookshop to pick up Aziraphale for their not date.
Vaguely Crowley wondered what Aziraphale might be wearing himself, after all, the angel didn’t own anything pink either at least, not that he knew of. Unbidden, images of his angel dressed up in pick knickers under all his usual kit flooded Crowley’s mind and he couldn’t help but shiver. He had completely lost track of where he was only to realize that the Bentley had arrived at the bookshop of its own accord, thank Satan. He was just about to get out when Aziraphale stepped out of the bookshop, locking the door behind him, and twirled around gleefully as he strode towards the car. Crowley stared, mouth agape, half certain he was drooling, because why did Aziraphale look so bloody fantastic in pink? He had chosen for himself a pair of magenta trousers, with a lighter gingham button-up shirt that set off the light dusting of pink in his cheeks. His bowtie was also gingham though this one was more of a lavender shade and his usual vest had been replaced by a comfortable looking cardigan that was somehow a shade between the pink of his trousers and the pink of his shirt. Crowley all but panted at the sight of the angel, and boy did that name fit even more now than it ever had, Crowley thought, as Aziraphale walked around to the passenger side door, and slipped in.
“Oh you do look smart Crowley,” Aziraphale said cheerfully looking him up and down. “Most appropriate.”
Crowley swallowed hard, his mouth opened and closed several times but words failed him. Aziraphale looked like the sweetest treat and Crowley was suddenly very hungry for something tooth rottingly sweet.
“Y-you look…” he blinked still trying to get his brain to connect to his mouth long enough to say the bloody words.
“Is it too much?” Aziraphale asked looking rather nervous.
“No! It’s perfect,” Crowley said at last. “Absolutely perfect.” A million other adjectives came to mind then. Delicious, delectable, scrumptious, enrapturing, a feast for the eyes. It shouldn’t be legal really, he thought. No one else should be allowed to see this. A sudden wave of possessiveness struck Crowley like a lightning bolt as the car peeled away from the curb since apparently, it decided he was not going to be driving himself.
“Do you really think so?” Aziraphale asked.
“Pink is definitely your color,” Crowley said. Aziraphale let out a little giggle that was like music to Crowley’s ears. No symphony could possibly compare to the sounds of Aziraphale’s delighted little giggle in that moment.
“I like the heart sunglasses. Very nice touch.”
Crowley grinned as he watched the road, feeling rather proud of himself.
“I’m rather excited,” Aziraphale said. “I haven’t been to the cinema in ages.”
Crowley nodded, neither had he, what was the last movie he’d seen in a cinema? Some horror tripe that was always good for a laugh? After you’ve lived through hell nothing the humans could come up with could possibly scare him.
“No good romantic movies then?” Crowley asked absently.
Aziraphale huffed, “I don’t only see romantic movies. But I do rather enjoy watching humans fall in love. I think it’s rather charming. And nice.”
“I’m not making fun of you angel, I find your love of romance to be one of your more adorable qualities.” Aziraphale merely pursed his lips. “Have you ever… you know given consideration to the idea yourself?” He asked.
Aziraphale hummed noncommittally in response. Crowley felt his heart drop into his stomach. Idiot! He thought to himself, gripping the steering wheel for something to do. He didn’t know which idea was worse, the idea that Aziraphale might be in love with someone that wasn’t him or the idea that even talking about it with him would make Aziraphale clam up so tight. Crowley huffed, it was going to be a very long two hours, he thought to himself.
The car arrived, thank badness a few moments later outside the cinema, and Crowley got out at the side of the road in front, and told the car to park itself.
“Oh it’s almost time,” Aziraphale said bouncing excitedly as he walked up towards the entrance to the theater while Crowley followed behind him, watching him with a small smile. Well, at least his perpetually chipper mood hadn’t been diminished, he thought with a smile holding open the door for the angel. Crowley saw a flash of pink creep up his cheeks at that and Crowley couldn’t help but grin once more feeling proud of himself. This may not have been a date, but it was good to know that he still had the ability to make the other man blush in any capacity. Seeing the angel blush was easily Crowley’s second favorite hobby, second to watching him eat. Speaking of which.
“Did we want to follow up the film with dinner?” He asked. Dinner and a movie felt like a date. It was the sort of thing humans did as a date, but for them, it was just a Friday.
“Oh yes, I do think so. How about sushi? I know a fantastic little Japanese restaurant that serves the most delectable sushi, and they have an excellent sake.”
Crowley smiled, “Sounds divine.”
“Oh splendid,” Aziraphale said with a grin his hand lightly to Crowley’s chest. “Oooh look! It’s a little Barbie box!” He said pointing to the large pink box that other patrons were currently getting their pictures taken in front of. “Oh please can we get our picture taken,” he said. And how could Crowley possibly resist? What with the way Aziraphale’s hand was excitedly on his chest and he never wanted it to move.
“Alright,” Crowley said trying to sound like his usual annoyed self, but really his heart wasn’t in it. Not when his angel looked so giddy.
“Ehehe,” Aziraphale giggled. A girl stepped out of the box, and Aziraphale was talking animatedly to her, asking if she could take their picture. She nodded, and Aziraphale took her place, gesturing for Crowley to join him in the box. Crowley did so, standing behind him not sure what exactly he was meant to pose like. First, he struck a rather serious pose, then something silly.
“You should do something cute,” the girl said smiling at them.
“Cute?” Aziraphale asked.
“Yeah like… okay so turn this way,” she turned to the left and Aziraphale did as he was told so he was facing Crowley. “And you turn this way,” she turned the other way so that Crowley would be facing Aziraphale. “Right and then prop your foot up like this, and hold his shoulders.”
“What?” Crowley asked. Aziraphale did as he was told, holding onto Crowley’s shoulders while standing with one foot behind himself.
“Right, now you hold his waist.”
Crowley looked at Aziraphale and then back at the girl. “I…”
Aziraphale merely smiled and Crowley did as he was told.
“Perfect. So cute, now squish your cheeks together so you’re nice and close and smile.” Crowley felt as though his entire body might spontaneously combust, but the two squished their cheeks together and smiled. When at last it was over, Crowley wasn’t sure if he wanted to bolt out of sheer terror or for it never to end. Eventually, Aziraphale slipped out of the box and took the phone back from the girl.
“You two are so adorable.”
“Oh thank you,” Aziraphale said as he took the phone back.
Crowley merely stared at the angel dumbstruck as Aziraphale made his way towards the theatre as if nothing had happened. He felt as though he’d gone mad. Aziraphale was humming to himself a little as he walked and Crowley all but had to quicken his pace to catch up with him. Their not date was taking a very strange turn, and it was still early yet.
The two of them were sat right beside one another in the darkened theatre, and Crowley felt hot all over. He lounged to the best of his ability in the chairs, but he couldn’t stop looking at Aziraphale. He was staring excitedly at the screen, eyes dancing with excitement as the film began. Crowley was far too busy to pay attention to the movie, however. It could have been playing literally anything and he wouldn’t have noticed. He was enraptured by the other man’s enjoyment of the film. The way he smiled and laughed, and even on several occasions cried. Crowley resisted the urge to wipe away the tear with his thumb but only just. The hours passed like a candy-coated pink dream. Crowley couldn’t help but smile as Aziraphale got to his feet and applauded. “Brava!” He said excitedly.
“They can’t see you, you know it’s not live theatre,” Crowley teased.
“Yes well,” Aziraphale said smiling all the same. “It was rather good. What did you think?”
Crowley blinked, trying to search his brain for anything that he might have overheard but he was drawing a blank. “It was good yeah.”
Aziraphale smiled and Crowley knew he had said the right thing, if not necessarily the most believable for him.
“Shall we go on to dinner then, angel?” Crowley asked.
“Oh yes, I am rather peckish,” Aziraphale said as if he had only just remembered. He smiled, making his way across the aisle, only to trip quite suddenly on one of the chairs. Crowley appeared at his side in a flash, a mixture of his snakelike and demonic instincts kicking in to catch the angel before he fell, his hand at Aziraphale’s lower back. “Alright, their angel?” He asked.
“Yes, quite, thank you,” Aziraphale replied.
“Awww,” Crowley heard rather than saw someone coo behind them. He turned around to face the two women who were currently eying himself and Aziraphale.
“You two are so adorable,” the girl said.
Crowley swallowed. “T-thank you,” he said, removing his hand from Aziraphale’s lower back self-consciously as he ducked around the angel. It was becoming more and more of a frequent occurrence, Crowley noted, especially over the last few years. Aziraphale had always rather attracted attention in that way, Crowley thought. More than a few people over the years had made crude comments about Aziraphale’s sexuality and Crowley had been quick to send a bit of a demonic hex their way whenever he could. But now it seemed it was not just Aziraphale himself that was attracting presumptions about his sexuality, but the two of them together that were attracting assumptions about the nature of their relationship.
There had been the Satanic nun, Anathema who had pulled him aside after the end of the world that wasn’t to ask what the deal was between him and Aziraphale, and well countless others since. Somehow Aziraphale never seemed to notice any of it, so it was left to Crowley to define what they were and honestly he didn’t know himself.
“What did those girls ask you?” Aziraphale asked as they exited the theater.
“Oh…er… can’t recall,” he lied.
Aziraphale merely turned to face him. “You’re not a very good liar Crowley.”
“I am!” Crowley argued. “I’m a demon.” He paused, realizing his mistake, and swore under his breath. “Bugger.”
Aziraphale merely grinned, feeling rather proud of himself. “Out with it.”
Crowley would have laughed at the angel’s choice of words but instead he was too busy trying to figure out how to wriggle his way out of it.
“They said you looked rather smart.”
Aziraphale eyed him. “That’s very kind. But I don’t think that was actually what was said. You thanked them.”
Double bugger. “They said we looked cute, alright? Are you happy?”
Aziraphale smiled. “Quite. You know it does sometimes astound me how quickly human attitudes have changed. I must say it’s rather refreshing.”
“Yeah,” Crowley said for want of anything else to say.
“And of course they’re right. We are rather cute,” he said with a smirk in that disarming manner that made Crowley falter and feel confused.
He blinked as Aziraphale exited the cinema and made his way toward the curb where the car appeared. The two got in and Crowley felt as though he had missed a step somewhere.
“What happened then?”
“Hm?” Aziraphale asked.
“Why do you never correct anyone?” Aziraphale stared at him clearly confused. “When people assume we’re together. Why do you never correct them.”
“I would have thought that rather obvious.”
“Not to me it bloody isn’t,” Crowley said.
Aziraphale merely smiled and patted his hand. “It’s quite alright. Let’s just go to dinner shall we?”
“Was this a date?” Crowley asked working up the nerve to ask the question he had been wondering about since Aziraphale had suggested they see a movie together.
“Well, it only took 82 years for you to get the memo, but we finally got there,” Aziraphale said.
Crowley merely stared, mouth agape. “82… you… but we… but…”
“I’ve not been especially subtle,” Aziraphale said.
“But you said I go too fast for you!” Crowley croaked.
“In your car!” Aziraphale said. “You drive in crowded city streets 100 miles per hour! I realize we’re immortal beings dear but it does rather make me nervous.”
“Oh my God,” he gagged on the word. “But I thought.”
“Oh Crowley, you really ought to take things less literally.”
“You said that perhaps one day we could have a picnic,” Crowley said, still floundering.
“I was dropping hints!” Aziraphale said.
Crowley merely stared ahead at the unmoving road, feeling like he had just discorporated out of his body and was looking at it from the outside. “You mean to tell me that this whole time we could have been dating?”
“Well, I thought we were.”
Crowley turned to face him then. “When did you plan on sharing this information with me?”
“Well, I’m telling you now!” Aziraphale said.
Crowley laughed. He didn’t mean to really, but he couldn’t help it.
“I don’t see what’s so funny,” Aziraphale said.
“This whole time… this whole time I thought that you didn’t feel the same and I’ve been twisting myself into knots trying to figure out how to keep it to myself,” Crowley cackled like a madman. Aziraphale couldn’t help but smile then.
“So you… you do feel the same then?”
“Oh angel, how could you even ask? Of course, I do. I just never dared think… I mean… you threw me off quite a bit with the I don’t even like you, bit.”
“Yes well… we were under a lot of stress, and anyway I was afraid we might be being watched. Not as if heaven didn’t already know. Uriel called you, my boyfriend in the dark sunglasses.”
At this, Crowley laughed again. “Well I suppose now I can be, properly,” Crowley said as he finally put the Bentley into gear and began to drive them towards the restaurant. “So, does that make this our first official date then?” He asked.
“I suppose it does,” Aziraphale replied, suddenly nervous.
“Wish I’d known, I would have been a lot more gentlemanly and opened your door and brought you flowers.”
“You don’t have to do all that,” Aziraphale said.
“I know how much you like romantic things, and I’m happy to do it for you.”
Aziraphale blushed deeply at that. He had always secretly, or perhaps not-so-secretly really wanted a romance like something he had read in Jane Austen novels, and later seen in films based on Jane Austen novels, or other such romantic films. He had never allowed himself hope. Aziraphale merely smiled as they made their way across town towards the restaurant, feeling all at once like the luckiest angel in the world.