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Aziraphale lay on the examination chair. “I passed Gabriel leaving. Did the idiot chip a fang again?”
Crowley nodded. “Yup. On a metal choker. If I’ve told the twit once, I’ve told him a thousand times, always check for neck jewelry before you bite. I swear this is the fourth time I’ve had to bond that damn fang this year. He’ll need a crown next. What a wanker.” He turned on the bright exam light. “Okay, what have you gone and done?”
“Well, first, I need to order a new bite guard. Sorry.”
“What?! I thought you switched to leather straps!”
“Oh, I did! They worked much better than the metal for a long time, but this month was a supermoon, and I’m afraid I got carried away. I chewed right through them. Then I went for the cage bars, and broke the bite guard. I was lucky not to chip any teeth!” He sighed. These visits were always a tad embarrassing. “I do hope you can have a replacement ready by the next full moon?”
Crowley smiled. “I can give you one today.”
“But…but it’s a special mold!”
“I know. I had extras made for you after last time, just in case. You can take one home today.”
“Gosh, that’s awfully thoughtful.” Crowley was the most amazing, and nicest dentist he’d ever patronized. “Do you do such kind things for all your patients?”
“Nope. Only the…special ones.”
Aziraphale frowned. What exactly did the fellow mean? “Excuse me, but are not all of your patients…special?” Vampires, werewolves, the occasional banshee, Dr. Anthony Crowley treated them all.
“Not what I meant.” Crowley lay a hand on Aziraphale’s arm, giving it a caress. “And I shouldn’t have said special ones, because as far as I’m concerned, there are no others but you.”
“Oh!” What were these delightful flutters in his belly? He had been coming to Crowley for two years now, ever since his prior dentist, Dr. Sandalphon, who he’d detested but had little choice in the matter, had come afoul of the Monstrous Medical Professions Oversight Board. Aziraphale had felt an instant attraction to Dr. Crowley—who was a man-shaped member of the fae race—with his dark red hair and golden eyes, and his seductive movements, as well as his charm and grace, his intelligence, and his sense of humor. Aziraphale had been reluctant to flirt, though, afraid a fae would never be interested in a werewolf, but as he felt the warmth flowing from that gentle touch, and read the keen interest in those lovely eyes, he realized he’d been a fool. “I see.” He put his own hand over Crowley’s. “I am so glad to hear it.” Then he twined their fingers together. “You are very special to me, too, and I would love to thank you for your thoughtfulness by buying you dinner tonight.”
“I’d like that very much.” Crowley brought their joined hands to his lips, and kissed Aziraphale’s fingertips. “Is sushi good? I know a great place in Soho.”
“Perfect. I happen to live in Soho.”
“I know you do. In your bookshop. All alone.” Crowley’s voice turned huskier. “After this latest incident, I don’t think you should be by yourself on the next full moon. You need someone who…cares for you to keep watch.”
The fluttering sensations were joined by quivers of anticipation along Aziraphale’s spine. He had yearned for a companion, for a friend who would care for him and love him as he was…someone to hold in the night without fear. Crowley understood him, and had come to know him well, and was now clearly choosing to become a part of his life. He shivered. “That sounds…wonderful, my dear.”
“Good. Let’s start with a dinner date, and see where it leads.”
“There’s just one thing.”
“What?”
Aziraphale sighed. “I need you to remove several strings of leather stuck between my molars first.”
Crowley laughed as he pulled on his gloves.
“Open wide!”
*