Chapter Text
It was cloudy with a chance of rain in Soho; it has never been sunny ever since Aziraphale left for heaven.
The coffee shop was empty, and a stained ‘on sale’ sign stood loosely. The record store was abandoned. No one buys records nowadays.
The bookshop kept its soft glow, the books all in order from the first letter of the first sentence, all read by Muriel. They loved the Doctor Who series, all 627 volumes. They read some chapters to Crowley anytime he visited, he loathed it. Aziraphale wouldn’t dare read to him, he would be here with him and drinking wine and recounting old memories.
“And that is chapter 10 done! Erm, are you listening, Crowley?”
No response. He stared into the ceiling as he sank into the couch he once shared with his love. It was all he could think of. His angel. The apple to his eye had rolled far from the tree. A ringing from the phone interrupted his thoughts and he listened to what Muriel had to say now. Probably a scam call anyway.
“Hello! … Aziraphale? Is that you?”
Crowley leaped up and lurked by Muriel, snake eyes staring at the back of their head.
“Um, yes! Yes, I can come right away! Do you want your um, partner too? He really misses you!”
Crowley tensed up, he clenched his fists, gritted his sharp teeth, and let out a small hiss.
“Give me the phone.” Crowley demanded in a weak voice.
Muriel jumped at the sound of his voice, they nodded and handed the landline to Crowley with shaky hands.
“Umm, Muriel? Still there?” Aziraphale enquired.
“It’s me, angel.” Crowley said sternly.
“…Crowley.” Aziraphale sighed, with pain and loneliness on his tongue. “Why I thought we would never talk again! I have dearly missed you I hope you know.”
Crowley paused. Rage and sorrow were boiling and building inside him because he yearned for Aziraphale to come back. To go back to normal, no need for Alpha Centauri (especially because of Gabriel and Beelzebub living their best life there).
“What were you saying to Muriel? Seemed you needed them for something.”
“Oh! Uh, I was saying that I need an extra hand up here! Micheal and the others aren’t a huge fan of my, er, work ethic, I suppose.” Aziraphale stuttered.
“Really? I would have never imagined.” Crowley teased sarcastically. “No need for your good old Crowley huh?”
“No! Well, I mean, you didn’t want to come to heaven, so I, um, thought Muriel would like to come! You have been living in the bookshop with Muriel, right?”
“Er, sort of, not quite. Still attempting to change the ‘ineffable’ plan? Still forgiving me?”
“Crowley, I-.” The angel sighed. “Give me a minute.”
“What?” Only half of the word got through before Aziraphale hung up.
Crowley stood by the phone and gazed out the window. Two doors opened, and a brilliant light shone across from the bookshop, Crowley ripped off his glasses and bolted out the bookshop like there was no tomorrow.