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Crowley arranged the logs in the fire pit then snapped his fingers, igniting a spark in the wood. “Burn well!” The logs, which had been slow to take the flame, flared up into a roaring fire. “That’s better.”
Crowley strode toward the cottage, giving the fire one last glare back over his shoulder in warning before going inside. “Angel!” He called out through the cottage, then began looking through the cabinet of glasses, choosing a couple of his favorites.
A moment later, Aziraphale walked into the kitchen, spectacles down on his nose and an open book in hand. “Oh, good evening. I’ve been buried in this book for hours.” He looked toward the window. “So dark already? I’m glad the sunlight starts coming back tomorrow. I do so miss the sunlight.”
Crowley leaned back against the counter and crossed his arms. “I rather like the darkness.”
Aziraphale scrunched up his nose. “You would. But it’s so cold. And the sun represents life, and joy, and hope.” His eyebrows raised as he gave a cute little smile.
“Sure, sure. But night! So much better for seeing, without that sunlight to hurt my eyes. It’s spookier at night, and you know how I like that. And stars!” Crowley fluidly pushed away from the counter, arms waving in the air. “So many stars everywhere, especially out here away from the city. I do miss the stars when we’re in town.”
Aziraphale’s eyes crinkled as he smiled over Crowley’s enthusiasm. “Yes, you do. You do have a point. And I hate how the sun bothers your eyes. Well, we can both agree to appreciate the solstice, yes? I’m happy the sunlight is coming back, and watching the stars on the longest night of the year can make you happy.”
“Exactly! So care to join me?” He motioned toward the back door. “Some wine, you can pick the snacks, and we can sit under the stars.”
“Oh yes. I have just the thing. You go watch the stars and I’ll get everything.” Aziraphale set the book on the table and bustled around the kitchen.
Crowley smiled as he watched his angel, then grabbed the wine and glasses and took them out to the garden, putting them on a small table near the fire pit. He sprawled on the bench beside it and leaned back to watch the stars while he waited. A few minutes later, he heard the door open and footsteps head his direction.
Aziraphale walked over to the table and dropped an armful of assorted items. Packages, and… sticks?
“What’s all that?” Crowley couldn’t make sense of it.
Aziraphale clapped his hands together. “We’re going to make s’mores! A delightful treat I’ve always wanted to try from across the pond, as they say. I had the crackers imported for a special occasion, and tonight seemed just right.” He poured two glasses of wine and sat down, handing one to Crowley. “Let’s enjoy a drink first, then make our dessert, if that sounds good?”
“Absolutely. Wine before cooking is always the answer.” He took a long sip, then put an arm across the back of the bench as he liked to do, conveniently along the angel’s back. He looked over at Aziraphale. “Happy solstice, angel.”
Aziraphale beamed at him. “Yes, very happy.”