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Aziraphale had made a New Year’s resolution: to go on at least one date. He’d always been a romantic at heart, but too many years had passed of him being too afraid, too busy, or making up some other excuse not to. This year, he was determined to finally go on a date. So Aziraphale downloaded some fancy dating apps and started swiping. After a bit, using the app put Aziraphale’s hopes down, as most of the other people on the app were looking for one-time hookups. But then Aziraphale came across another professor, like himself. They matched and started chatting. The man’s name was Nathaniel. Aziraphale thought it was a good, biblical name. They had been talking casually over the past three weeks, before Nathaniel proposed a date. And well, Aziraphale was determined to complete his New Year’s resolution.
Aziraphale was terrified. No, he was petrified.
Nathaniel had arranged for them to meet at a nightclub. Aziraphale didn’t like clubs. They were too loud and crowded for his taste. But he was determined as ever. So Aziraphale put on his best suit with hands slightly shaking, and headed to the club. The club was loud and dark, and Aziraphale cringed at the music. But as he made his way inside, he was surprised to find it relatively empty.
Aziraphale was early because he was nervous, and he was always early. He walked to the bar and ordered a drink to hopefully ease his nerves. Besides, Aziraphale wanted something to hold in his hands. Aziraphale then found himself a table and sat down, taking off his coat. He then checked his phone to see if Nathaniel texted him. There were no messages. Aziraphale then looked back at Nathaniel’s profile picture so he’d be able to recognize him when he came in. Aziraphale sipped his drink, turning to take in the rest of the club. There were some couples at the tables, a few singles at the bar, and some people on the dance floor below the stage.
There was a band on the stage, performing rock music loudly. There was a drummer, two guitar players, and a singer. Each looked aptly dressed for being a part of a rock band. Aziraphale watched with mild intrigue. The singer, who was female, was rather good. And then there was the guitarist to her left. They had long red hair done up in a half-messy bun. They wore a ripped black tank top that showed off a tattoo across their right arm. They also wore a red, plaid skirt with tights underneath. Their whole body moved and swayed while they strummed the guitar effortlessly.
Aziraphale was enraptured. He’d never felt so drawn to someone before. Then, the individual started singing into the microphone. Aziraphale’s heart must have skipped a beat, for their voice was amazing. At that moment, Aziraphale swore the guitarist caught his eyes from across the room. Aziraphale jumped and turned around, checking his phone again. Still nothing. Aziraphale quickly hid his nerves in his drink.
Twenty minutes later, Nathaniel still had not shown up. Aziraphale was beginning to worry. The music abruptly stopped as well.
“Thank you everyone!” The lead singer called into the mic.
A few patrons clapped and cheered for them. Aziraphale checked his phone nervously again, but there was still nothing. Music started playing from the speakers.
“What’s an angel like you doing in a place like this?”
Aziraphale looked up and was met with the guitarist leaning against his table, smirking wide. Aziraphale’s breath hitched, immediately lost in stunning amber eyes.
“You’re far too well dressed to be in a place like this.” The guitarist’s smirk grew.
“I’m supposed to be on a date.” Aziraphale somehow managed to get out.
“Really? Cause I haven’t seen you with anyone all night.”
Aziraphale almost jumped again to realize they had been watching him.
“Well…” Aziraphale checked his phone once more. “I’m beginning to think they stood me up.” He sighed and placed his phone face down on the table.
“How horrible.” The guitarist sounded genuinely sorry for Aziraphale. “Let me get you something.” They smirked and were off again.
Aziraphale’s heart rate picked up, feeling nervous and flustered. The guitarist was leaning over the bar, ordering drinks. They soon returned carrying two glasses.
“Here you are.” The guitarist passed a drink over. “Being stood up is the worst. I should know.” They sat across from Aziraphale. “I’ve done my fair share of standing people up.” They winked mischievously.
Aziraphale quickly grabbed his new drink; it was sweet and barely tasted of alcohol.
“So tell me about them.” The guitarist prompted.
“We met on a dating app. They’re a professor.” Aziraphale pulled up Nathaniel’s profile picture to show.
“Oh, you could do way better.”
Aziraphale blushed and ducked his head, placing his phone down again.
“Pardon me. My name’s Crowley.” The guitarist offered their hand across the table.
“Aziraphale.” He shook their hand. “You were very good.” He gestured towards the stage. “I’m not much into rock music. Too loud for me. But you were good.”
“Why, thank you.” Crowley flashed another smile. “And for what is worth…” They repositioned in the chair to lean forward. “I think someone would have to be stupid to stand someone like you up.”
Aziraphale felt flustered again. He really wasn’t used to people flirting with him. “To tell you the truth, I’m a bit disappointed.”
“Of course.” Crowley leaned casually back into the chair.
“I made myself this stupid New Year’s resolution.” Aziraphale continued. “You see, I’ve never actually been on a date before.” He wrung his hands nervously around his drink.
“Never?” Crowley perked up.
Aziraphale shook his head, feeling a touch embarrassed.
“Well, we must remedy that at once.”
Aziraphale looked to Crowley, blinking.
“And seeing as I already bought you a drink.” Crowley smiled softly, gesturing.
“Oh.” Aziraphale stuttered, realizing the implications. “Nathaniel might still turn up.” He tried to say.
“How late is he now?”
Aziraphale looked to his watch. “Half an hour.”
“He’s not coming,” Crowley told him with sincerity. Aziraphale sighed, realising they were right. “My money’s on that he probably already has a wife anyway. So you’re probably better off. Now, what do you say?”
“Say?” Aziraphale was lost again.
Crowley was smiling. “A date? You, me. Here, now.” They gestured about. “I mean, we’re here now. So, we might as well, right? So you can mark it off on your bucket list.”
“Oh.” Aziraphale smiled slowly, blushing. “Alright. I suppose.”
“Alright.” Crowley smiled. “Then tell me about yourself.” Crowley leaned back, sipping their drink.
They talked lightly, asking the standard get-to-know-you questions. At one point, Aziraphale admitted to finding the music from the speakers too loud. Crowley got up to ask it to be turned down. The gesture made Aziraphale’s heart flutter. Crowley returned with more drinks, and they continued talking for hours. Two hours had passed unnoticed before Aziraphale looked to his watch.
“Dear me!” He declared when he realized the time. “I didn’t realize how late it’d gotten.”
Crowley chuckled.
“I really should be getting home.” Aziraphale sadly realized.
“Already, angel?” Crowley pouted. “But we were having such fun. And we were just getting to know each other.”
Aziraphale smiled softly but rose. “I am afraid I have a meeting in the morning. So I don’t want to stay up late.”
“Well, I can’t say I’m not sorry to see you go.” Crowley stood up slowly.
Aziraphale put back on his coat as Crowley came over. Their hand rested gently on Aziraphale’s arm. “I hope you had an enjoyable evening tonight.”
“Oh.” Aziraphale blinked and slowly smiled. “I did. It was very enjoyable indeed. Thank you. I can now cross that off my bucket list.” He laughed awkwardly, feeling nervous and a touch uncomfortable.
“I’m glad your date never showed up.”
Aziraphale felt flustered.
“Because I had quite an enjoyable evening with you.” Crowley finished.
Aziraphale was still blinking.
“Let me walk you out.”
Aziraphale agreed. A question started in his mind, but he wasn’t sure how to voice it, if he could. Suddenly, they were outside the club in the cool night air, and Crowley shivered.
“You have a way home?” Crowley asked, wrapping arms around their bare arms.
“I’m taking the bus back,” Aziraphale informed. “I do it all the time.”
Crowley nodded. “Good”
“Crowley.” Aziraphale began. “Thank you again. Do you think we could….” He felt terribly nervous. He’d never done this before, after all.
Crowley was smiling. “If you’re going to ask me for another date, the answer is yes. Let me give you my number.”
They exchanged phone numbers then, Aziraphale feeling excited as anything.
“You know.” Crowley started slowly when they put their phones away. “Most dates end with a kiss.”
Aziraphale practically jumped at that. “Oh…I…”
“We don’t have to,” Crowley reassured.
“Perhaps on the cheek,” Aziraphale suggested. “For goodnight.”
Crowley was smiling wide. With sudden courage, Aziraphale leaned up to kiss their cheek with barely a brush. Crowley made a noise of surprised delight.
“Thank you again, Crowley.” Aziraphale drew away to find Crowley’s face a blush. “Good night.”
“You too, angel.” Crowley smiled and wrapped their arms around themselves again.
“You get back inside before you catch a cold now,” Aziraphale stated, walking away.
“Text me so I know you got home alright.”
“Will do.” Aziraphale smiled. He then headed off into the night, only casting one last glance back.