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Crowley was on Earth for two reasons; to meet with his rather evasive representative and because he was interested in seeing this ark the humans were building. Finding and talking to Beelzabub was not nearly as annoying as he thought it would be, resulting in him being in a decent mood for a change. He was standing on a cliff a ways away from all the humans but where he still had a good view of everything. While watching the humans mill about Crowley lost himself in thought, it was the first moment he’d had to himself in what felt like centuries. He was jarred out of his musings by the sound of someone appearing beside him. He winced at the brief flash of angelic light and braced himself for a fight but when nothing happened immediately he cracked his eyes open to size up the new arrival. It was Aziraphale.
“I am terribly sorry about that my dear. I didn’t know you were there.”
“Is’ fine angel.” Crowley moved into a more relaxed stance while Aziraphale watched the humans for a moment. “What brings you to Earth?”
“Oh I was just curious about Noah’s progress with the ark. Have to make sure he is on schedule and all.”
“I guess that makes sense. Though don’t you have a representative on Earth? Why don’t you just read the report they send?”
“Well that is true, in a way. Firstly I do my check-ins in person, they feel more… personable that way. And besides those reports are not due until after the flood comes. I was just worried that the humans would not finish in time.”
“So it’s personal then? Didn’t think your lot was that invested.” Crowley teased watching Aziraphale out of the corner of his eye. He didn’t want to seem actually interested in the conversation.
“Well I… that is to say we do care but…” The angel paused at this and shifted from foot to foot nervously. “I mean the other Archangels act like we are not supposed to care but how can I not. Look at them, Crowley, they are so small and helpless. Are they not important to Her plan, even just a little, enough to care about?”
At this the demon fully turned to look at the angel. He seemed quite upset with tears pooling in the corners of his eyes. Those striking blue eyes seemed to freeze Crowley in place with their intensity. They were off putting due to the inhuman color but also because of how raw and honest the emotions they held were. Crowley was reminded of his own serpent eyes which he could use to hypnotize weak minded demons or humans into his will. As if sensing Crowley’s inability to look away, Aziraphale was the one to break the connection, turning back to the humans down below.
“I apologize my dear. I did not mean to impose my worries on you. I do not expect you to even understand them.”
“S’ fine.” Crowley was still stuck staring at Aziraphale. “I spose’ I do get it though, just a little. I mean how can we expect God to play favorites among Her creations. Though it’s not like She hasn’t before,” he inclines his wings in reference.
“Oh I didn’t mean it like that my dear!” Aziraphale looked at him shocked that he would think such a thing. “I only meant that there must be some reason for the humans in the great plan. Like how angels and demons have parts to play.”
“Right, I wasn’t blaming you for it.”
“Oh well, I am still sorry that it happened,” the angel apologized and gave Crowley a soft smile. “You know I never asked what you were doing here.”
“Well you know the usual, evil deeds and stirring unrest.”
Aziraphale fixed him with a look like he knew the demon was lying.
“Okay fine I was meeting with my Earth representative. Would have preferred a paper report but they’re terribly inconsistent with them. Made me come all the way up here to note down two misdeeds. Then I figured while I was here I might as well take in the sights, get some fresh air. It’s not exactly pleasant in Hell you know.”
“I imagine not. Heaven is a bit like that too, very oppressively white and empty.” The angel seemed to catch up with what he’d just said because he quickly shifted the conversation. “Not that I’m complaining, I'm sure you have it much worse my dear.”
“You don’t have to apologize. It’s not like I like Heaven, don’t mind hearing people complain about it for a change.”
“Regardless, I am sure you have enough worries as is. You do not need my pointless ones added to it.”
“You know it’s okay to say that kind of stuff, better than keeping it all bottled up. If it helps, just imagine you’re not talking to me, just the air.”
“That is very nice of you to say my dear but I am fine. No need to burden the air with my very few troubles.”
“Alright, just keep it in mind won’t ya.”
“Of course my dear.”
They paused and simply watched the humans in silence. Crowley didn’t want to impose on the angel and made sure to give him his space. Though Aziraphale didn’t seem to share those reservations, stepping to stand where their hands were barely brushing. The demon’s heart was beating a thousand miles a minute but he didn’t say anything. He didn’t want to ruin this beautiful moment. He did sneak a glance to the side, enough to see a faint blush on the angel’s cheek. That was all Crowley needed to know that the feeling was mutual. It was simply that neither wanted to say the words out loud for fear of anyone else hearing. But they didn’t need that, these simple light touches were like screaming at the top of their lungs. They were in love.
“I should get going,” the angel drew back away from the demon. “It will start to rain soon and it takes so long for my hair to dry.”
Crowley didn’t need to be a master of deception to see through the obvious lie for what it was. It was an easy reason to leave. They both had work to get back to even if they wanted to stay in the moment forever.
“Right, yeah. I should be getting back too. Can’t be leaving demons unsupervised for too long, they start getting ideas.”
“Until next time then, my dear?”
“Of course angel.”