Chapter Text
It had been a long day and Aziraphale had been at the library dusting off the old books in the archives. Most of the time he was sneezing what with all the dust flying around, it was a good job he had a handkerchief nipped in his pocket else it would have been as he called it a 'Complete Nightmare ' but he loved books, he would go off into another world whether he was reading or even cleaning them.
As he was just about to finish for the day, it was almost 5 o'clock and he was starting to feel a little peckish , when the telephone on his desk rang, " Oh who could that be now at this hour " he said to himself walking over he picked it up saying " Hello I'm frightfully sorry but we are closed for the day " not really wanting to retrieve any books on order. " Ah Aziraphale I'm glad I caught you my dear " said the person on the other end of the phone it was Madam Tracy. She was Arizaphale's landlady, she would often give him a call during the day asking him to either pick up a book for her or pick up a few shopping items on the way home.
" Hello Madam Tracy you just about caught me, as I was just about to leave " said Aziraphale somewhat annoyed a little that she had left to call him so late. " I'm so sorry my dear but I've ran out of milk could you pick some up on your way home, I would be ever so grateful " she said , he could feel the way she spoke when she said grateful she meant ' Grateful ' . Ever since he moved into Madam Tracy's building she had had her eye on him, trying ever manner she could to make him interested in her but he wasn't like that and would brush her off every time. She gave up after awhile but now again she would try again. " Of course what would you like semi-skimmed or full fat " he responded " Oh full fat my dear as always " she replied with a little chuckle. " Ok then I will see you shortly " he replied putting the phone down quickly before she had chance to say anything else.
Just the thought of him and madam tracy together ' shudder the thought ' he thought to himself as he shrugged his shoulders as if someone had stepped on his grave. Putting his coat on he looked at his watch if he hurried he would catch the express bus home, which was always the best as it had the least amount of stops.
He was just about to leave when a voice shouted " Aziraphale " he turned around it was Gabriel his boss, Aziraphale smiled slightly whilst twiddling his fingers, he was somewhat afraid of Gabriel . " Yes Gabriel, I was just on my way home " he stuttered as he pointed his hand towards the door. " Yes I know but unfortunately there is a delivery arriving " said Gabriel looking quite smug with himself that he had kept Aziraphale back. " But, But , I will miss my bus " said Aziraphale looking towards the door and then back to Gabriel. " Unfortunately I cannot stay as I have more important plans " said Gabriel resting his hands on Aziraphale's shoulders. " So be a good chap and sort it out " he said with a smirking smile leaving the room with Aziraphale who sat down on a nearby chair totally dumbfounded.
" Why is it always me " he said to himself, knowing full well that Gabriel was somewhat of a spiteful boss never really doing any kind of work he just loved giving out orders. Aziraphale sat with his hands in his lap looking down at the floor, awaiting the delivery hoping that it wouldn't be too long as he wanted to get home. It was about half an hour later when suddenly there was a knock on the main entrance door Aziraphale got up 'Finally ' he said to himself as he opened the door. " Do you want to give me hand with this " said someone behind a big box he was struggling to carry. Aziraphale couldn't see their face but quickly grabbed hold of the one side of the box moving backwards into the building, both placing it down once they were far enough inside. " Blimey that was heavy " said the delivery man , dusting his hands off as he straightened himself up not looking at Aziraphale as he grabbed his clipboard " It is rather " replied Aziraphale now looking at the man.
The delivery driver lifted his head looking at Aziraphale with somewhat of a vacant gaze, " Is there something wrong " asked Aziraphale looking at himself to see if his clothes were dusty or something. " Sorry sorry " the man replied somewhat confusedly . "Is there something wrong " Aziraphale asked again becoming a little impatient. " No No " the man replied shaking his head now bent down slightly making out he was looking at the clipboard.
" So what seems to be the problem then " Aziraphale looked at him, " You just remind me of someone " was his reply as he handed the clipboard to Aziraphale to sign, which he did handing it back to the delivery man. " Who ?? " Aziraphale asked as he was now somewhat intrigued.
" Oh someone I knew a long time ago, we lost touch " he replied. Aziraphale could hear the sadness in his voice, " what was her name ? " he said moving slightly forward to the delivery man. " It wasn't a woman it was a man " replied the delivery driver. Aziraphale took a step back shocked slightly but plucking his courage up " Who who was it may I ask " his voice trembling slightly.
" Oh you wouldn't know him " said the delivery driver shaking his head that was still looking down to the floor. " You never know I might " Aziraphale replied now really wanting to know who. The delivery man raised his head looking at Aziraphale , " his name was " he paused for a moment " his name was Aziraphale ".
Aziraphale stepped back placing his one hand on his chest before saying " That's my name " looking somewhat shocked. The delivery man raised his head quickly removing his cap " Aziraphale I knew it was you " he smiled moving towards Aziraphale, but Aziraphale started backing away looking from side to side seeing where he could run if he had to. The driver could see how he was reacting " I'm sorry I didn't mean to startle you " he said placing the clipboard down raising his hands to assure Aziraphale he meant no harm. " My name is Crowley " he said placing his one hand on his chest. Aziraphale felt a small spark as he said the name and it was quite a nice feeling still looking somewhat puzzled ' Crowley I know that name ' he thought.
Crowley looked at him with eager eyes " Do you remember ? " he asked . Aziraphale paced slightly trying to process thoughts in his mind. As suddenly an image popped into his brain.
Crowley moved forward placing his hand on Aziraphale's hand, another spark shot through Aziraphale's body. Aziraphale looked up facing Crowley who had a small smile on his face, Crowley brought up his other hand stroking Aziraphale's cheek which he didn't mind at all as it felt nice " Hello Angel " said Crowley with a whisper. It was like time stood still in that moment.
Suddenly Aziraphale pulled away " No no this is not right " he said rather frustrated pushing Crowley's hands down. " I tell you what lets go and have a spot of dinner together and we can talk about it " said Crowley hoping that he would except. Aziraphale stood and thought for the briefest of moments looking up and back at him " I suppose that wouldn't hurt " he said nodding in agreement. Crowley smiled, but as they went to exit the building Aziraphale turned back saying " What about the delivery, Gabriel will have my hide if it isn't dealt with " he said somewhat anxiously. " Don't worry Angel, I will take care of that " said Crowley escorting a puzzled Aziraphale out of the building ' What did he mean by that ? ' Aziraphale wondered as they went out for a spot of lunch.