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In the quiet of their South Downs cottage, Aziraphale was looking intently at the holographic globe of Earth. Just like the one in Heaven’s building, the detailed display allowed him to see different regions and events in real time. It was a recent addition that looked quite unusual in their human cottage as it was contrasting sharply with the more traditional décor of the study.
The Supreme Archangel’s eyes were fixed on a small screen that pointed towards the southeast of France, where a lady named Elen was resting on her sofa, her two cats sprawled out on her lap and torso as if they had vanquished her, lounging in triumph over their defeated foe.
Crowley, ever the curious demon, was peering over Aziraphale's shoulder, his eyes narrowing.
"She's on your side, right?" Crowley asked, breaking the silence.
Aziraphale sighed. "Crowley. You're looking over my shoulder."
"Oopsie! My bad" Crowley said with a grin, not moving an inch.
Aziraphale kept on scrutinising the screen. Elen shifted slightly on her sofa, trying to find a comfortable position as her two cats, oblivious to the heatwave outside, remained glued on top of her.
"What are these cats trying to do? It's a heatwave at this time over there. Are they planning malicious —" Crowley scolded.
"Crowley, what did I say earlier?"
"My bad, angel. I was just curious —"
"I can see that!"
"— and worried about the lady. She’s at risk of sweltering with those cats piled all over her!"
“Croooow —”
"She’s in danger of passing out under that heatwave."
“— leeeey!”
“Is that why her eyes are shut and she’s lying down.”
“Darling —”
“She’s passed out, innit, angel?”
"Air conditioner, Crowley. Does it ring a bell to you?" the angel questioned with a hint of authority.
"Oh yes, of course!”
“She’s perfectly fine, darling.”
Aziraphale resumed gazing silently over her.
“Do you know her?"
The angel audibly exhaled in exasperation, his shoulders sagging in defeat.
"As a matter of fact, I do!" he stated resolutely.
Crowley kept on fretting behind Aziraphale; it was just impossible for the angel to think in peace when his lover's thoughts felt so loud and intrusive.
Finally, dramatically turning around, the Supreme Archangel faced Crowley.
"What is it, dear boy? What's on your mind? Speak up!"
Crowley looked somewhat sheepish, his usual bravado momentarily faltering. "I just... I can't help but worry. You've taken a liking to this Elen.”
Aziraphale could not believe what he was hearing. His eyes were as wide as saucers.
“Are you suggesting I’m.... I can’t believe it! Is that a jealous outburst? Last time I saw one of yours was with Mr. Brown.”
“Oh! No, no, no, no, no! You’re misinterpreting!”
“A quiproquo, then?”
“Always showing off your French lexicon, love!” Crowley joked.
“Are you teasing me with French now?”
“I’m always teasing you with French, whenever the opportunity arises.”
“I’m not talking to you anymore” Aziraphale fumed, crossing his arms, his face stiff with offence and his nose in the air.
“For how long?” Crowley inquired, impish.
Aziraphale didn’t answer, brooding.
“Last time you pulled a face at me, you only lasted half an hour.”
“You cheated!” the angel protested. The demon sniggered, smirking with glinting eyes. “Asmodeus! I’ll call you!” Aziraphale carried on, complaining.
“Oh come on! You like it that way.”
“Aaaah! Shoosh, Crowley! Let me be at peace, you fiend!”
Aziraphale turned back to the lady sleeping.
“It’s just that —”
Aziraphale brought his hands up to his face, unable to hide his irritation.
“— she's got a tough recovery ahead, and —” Crowley continued.
“So you already knew” the angel blurted out, flabbergasted.
“— well, —”
“Were you spying on me all this time?”
“— you know, —”
“Blimey! You were!” the angel realised, as triumphant as he was outraged. “Curiosity is a sin, darling!”
“And so is gluttony!” Crowley taunted, a devilish smirk on his lips.
“I’ll show you what’s gluttony when I tie you up and leave you begging for release for hours!!!”
“Don’t threaten me with a good time, angel... Anyway... What I was attempting to tell you is that —” the demon tried, suddenly all flustered and serious. Aziraphale deflated, waiting for his lover to find his words. “— because I don't like seeing people suffer, —”
The angel's expression softened.
"I understand, Crowley. And that's why I'm keeping an eye on her. She's strong, and with a little help, she'll be just fine."
Crowley nodded, his eyes lingering on the holographic globe. "Alright, angel. I'll trust your judgement. But if there's anything more we can do —"
Aziraphale chuckled. "You're a softie at heart, Crowley."
“Don’t you dare” the demon snapped, then quickly muttering afterwards: "Don't let it get around" already blushing crimson.
“Pinky swear, my dear” the angel promised facetiously.
As Aziraphale turned back to the globe, he felt a warm sense of contentment.
Despite what they’d been through, he and Crowley had found a way to elope together, leaving Heaven and Hell in disarray and ending up out of their grasp. Now, they were making a difference one small miracle at a time.