Work Text:
Aziraphale knocked on his master's door, "Master Crowley? Supper is ready," he waited a moment before speaking again, "Master Crowley, are you in there?"
It's been a bit difficult to get Crowley out of his room as of recent.
It's the week of his late wife's passing anniversary.
Poor thing must be in a heavy depressive episode. Aziraphale couldn't help but wonder how young master Adam was doing. He was still young and didn't fully process the concept of the sadness of loss of someone you love.
The door creaked open, frightening the blond momentarily, "Oh good, you're up! Dinner tonight the chef has prepared something simply divine and I just know that—"
"Not tonight, Angel.."
"Oh- but master Crowley–"
"I'm not hungry and no, I don't want you to bring me a plate.. Just tell Adam I'm busy with.. paperwork, and drop the fancy talk. I go by my name."
"I might be overstepping the line a tad bit, but you haven't had a meal with your son in five days.."
"You're right. You are overstepping. Goodbye," he turned his head away and started to shut the door, it making an uneasy shutting noise.
The butler sighed, making they're way back to the dining room. He mumbled to himself, "That just wont do.. I'll just have to come up with something I suppose," They glanced up as they entered the room, "Young Adam-"
"Paperwork.."
They bit the inside of his cheek lightly, "You know your father is a very busy man! He takes great pride in his work! You should aspire to be like him one day!"
Adam poked his food with his fork, "Right.. but I don't want to be like him,"
"Why's that? He's very successful"
"But he's not happy, Azie. I dont want to be like that. I want to do something fun- like.. astronaut or a scuba diver! People love them and they seem happy"
It still amazed them how this kid could be so mature yet have childish dreams at the same time, "I suppose so.."
●●●
Adam had been put to sleep now. Tucked in and snoring. The rest of the staff had left for the night now.
Was their plan foolish and not fully thought through yet? Yep. Were they still naive and hopeful? Also yes.
They knocked lightly, "Master Crowley?"
It was a minute, but the door cracked open, a single eye peaked out from the darkness, and spoke, "What.. shouldn't you be going home by now?"
"I suppose so, yes.. but I wanted to ask you something. Would you care to share an alcoholic beverage with me?"
The door opened wider; revealing him fully, "You drink, Angel?"
"Ah no.. only on special occasions, but I thought this would be a fun activity for the both of us!"
He leaned against the door frame with crossed arms. (Cough. bottom whore) "Bit late for– oh to hell with it. Give me a moment to dress. You can go ahead," he shut the door before our beloved Aziraphale could speak.
Where were they expected to be? They decided to just wait downstairs in the kitchen. They placed the glass bottle onto the counter carefully not to make a sound, then they got out two glasses from the higher cabinets, and placed them beside the bottle.
"There.." they poured the red liquid into the glasses and smiled, looking at his little achievement.
Then there was the footsteps coming down those same marble stairs, the ones Aziraphale always was afraid of slipping off and falling.
But the man who came down them was striking. They've looked at the old pictures of him, he aged like some damn fine wine.
They cleared their throat nervously, "Master Crowley! I set us up right here."
"Right, how about we move this event outside. Could use some fresh air, ay?" He rolled his eyes at the proper naming again.
"Oh! Right with you! Go ahead, I'll be right there."
Crowley picked up a filled glass, walking out to the back porch. Aziraphale followed close behind with the other glass and the heavy bottle.
They both sat beside each other on a black metal bench, it'd be unbearably uncomfortable if it werent for those thin cushions on the seating.
"Cheers then, Angel?"
"Yes! Cheers.."
The two clinked their glasses together harmoniously. Crowley threw that glass bottom up to the dark sky. Aziraphale simply sipped.
"Felt sympathy for me, did you?" He didnt let them speak, "Don't have to. Happens every year; the seasonal depression."
"It's just the seasons?"
"Yes, yes.. sun's gone for the most part. Making all those happy little vitamins vanish. Poof."
"I see. Master Crowley—"
"Just say my name," he tilted his head slightly to look at the other.
"Crowley.."
'𝑤ℎ𝑜𝑎' was what went through his mind in an instant. Wasn't a bad 𝑤ℎ𝑜𝑎 more of a wow whoa.
"Ah nevermind it.. I suppose you would rather not talk about it."
"Wanna say something about my dead wife? Yes, even after death she's inconvincing me. Bloody hell.."
"You make light of it"
"I either laugh at it or get sad. I don't know what else to tell you, Angel"
They sipped their drink, scrunching up their face at the bitterness despite the sweetners.
"Terribly sorry.."
He sighed lightly, glancing up at the dark clouded sky, "You're right. About Adam. I'll talk to him- ehhh eventually."
"Very good, I'm glad. He's a smart little boy. He'd be a hormonal teenager before we know it!"
"How long have you been working here, Azie? Few months?"
"Far longer than that, sir-" they would've felt offended if they had another moment to think.
"I don't pay much attention to the staff, but I know Adam is a big fan of you, you know that?"
"Well I would hope he would like me. I enjoy his presence, children make me joyous"
"Oh they make me barf," he sneered, "But Merida really wanted one to love and care for. She got all depressed when she found out she was infertile."
"The poor thing–" they frowned, putting a hand over their heart.
"Yeah.. But Adam likes you and eh i like you too. You're a preppy little thing.. more or less, brightens up the place," he chuckled.
"I like you too, Crowley, Sir." They gave a giddy smile.
He turned his head to them. They stared at each other for a while, "uhm—"
"Hey- you're quite handsome," he grinned.
"Thank you‐ Sir. uhm would you maybe like some more drink—"
He leaned in, kissing the butler's cheek. They froze, turning red immediately.
He stood with his glass, "No that's fine, Angel.. I'm quite tired anyway."
"I—" they didnt finish, "Goodnight.." they stared at him as he went inside.
•
"Saw that" Adam sipped on a juice box.
"Isn't it your bedtime"
"Yeah. But I got thirsty."
"Go to bed"
"Mr Aziraphale always reads me a chapter in our book to get me to sleep though."
"You don't need–... Fine. I'll tell you a story about my work. Come on then"
Adam smiled, happily walking up the stairs towards his room with his twink ass dad.