Just a small one shot. (I couldn't find a proper title tbh)
GOOD OMENS S2 SPOILERS AHEAD
From that day every other day was the same. Crowley never really left the Bentley, driving around London from the city to the countryside, and back again, until one day he saw some movement passing by the bookshop. For a moment he felt his chest the heaviest since Aziraphale left. He stopped the car, perfectly parked in front of the building, in the same spot he used to stop to lurking through the windows, observing the Angel carrying his books around. He used to love doing that, even when the angel knew perfectly he was there. He would patiently waiting for him to enter and take out his glasses and putting them on the statue he casually put at the entrance for him. then he would bring him his black cup with warm coffee. Six shots in a big cup.
Crowley sighed.
Being a demon had his benefits, like not having to eat or sleep or going to the bathroom; just the perfect excuses to never had to leave the car. But after 6 months playing Love of my life by Queen on loop, even the Bentley started to complain in some way. Like saying in his face that was pathetic, even for him.
But back to reality, somebody was actually in the bookshop. Could it be him?
Crowley finally got out. He carefully tried to see the strange figure holding a pile of huge books, wandering around.
He couldn't be.
Or could be?
With short steady breaths he finally entered. He stood by the door, almost fearing some sort of magic blockin him there, waiting for... something to happen.
"Hello hello hello!"
the voice came from the back.
"Oh! Mr. Crowley, is that you? I thought you were vanished."
The small angel, Muriel? was standing in the middle of the bookshop, with some books on hand and a wide, gentle smile.
"Yeah, I... came back."
"I noticed."
"You... what are you doing here?"
"Oh! I'm running the bookshop now. There are so many books here that need to be taking care of."
"... You're not selling them, are you?"
"Oh no, Mr. Crowley, I would never! I know how much the Traitor loved these."
Hearing Aziraphale being called that still bothered him. But he didn't had the strenght to correct them about it.
"I see."
"The Metatron was clear when he left me in charge here. He said I'd better be prepared to run this and to take care of you while Aziraphale was away."
"He what?"
"I said that-"
"I know what you said."
Silence came between them. After a while, Muriel smiled again, akwardly this time, and went back to take care of the books.
The day went by, and Crowley still was standing there, his glasses on. Muriel decided to ignore him, keeping the books nice and clean, trying not to feel intimidated by his presence. But Crowley didn't move, like a statue.
"Well well" Muriel said, "It is 6 pm. I must close the bookshop, I guess.
Uhm... I think you could stay there, if you like, or even go sit in the armchair. I will go upstairs to ... take care of other stuff."
Crowley nodded. "Yes. I think I'll go"
Muriel nodded in response, then headed upstairs.
Once alone, Crowley finally looked around. The place was the same since he left. Muriel really took care of it like it was Aziraphale still there.
He touched his glasses, no statue to put them away on.
Even his armchair was still there, as Muriel pointed out. Going there felt like his feet were burning. Sitting on it felt even worse.
He sighed again. They were both there just few months ago. And now he was there alone.
"Crowley..."
He could still hear his voice in his head
"Crowley..."
Almost like Aziraphale was still there with him.
"Crowely, are you there?"
The demon looked up. A strange beam of light cut the air from the bookshop ceiling, right in the middle of the room. Crowley suddenly saw the angelic ring where the light hit the pavement.
"Aziraphale?"
"Crowley? Is that you? Oh Heavens finally"
"Angel? Is that you? Where- How"
"Crowley? I can't hear you properly but I can sense you, so I will speak. I must be quick tho, I've got some explaining to do."
Crowley wanted to speak but, he fell again on the chair.
"You were right Crowley, all along."
What?
"Heaven is not as right as I thought. I knew from Metatron's offer, to be fair, but I couldn't tell you- I knew something was up. I knew offering me to bring you to Heaven with me was part of a plan. Something's really getting closer- something bad. And... I can't do it alone. Gabriel was right running away with Beelzebub. I should've done the same when I could."
Crowley bowed his head down- it still hurt.
"I hope Muriel isn't there. They're not bad - but oh so naive. Angels like them truly don't know how it all works."
"Aziraphel-"
"I hope you'll forgive me, dear. I never meant to hurt you- I was trying to protect you. I would never leave you. Not like this.
But one thing is true - I need you.
I think they're trying to take me down. Please don't panic, my dear, you know I'm a tough one. But there's something bigger to that- the Second Coming. I need your help."
Crowley got up, finally taking off his glasses, revealing bright, wide yellow eyes.
"I- I hope you don't hate me. Otherwise, I understand."
Crowley sighed. Of course he didn't hate him.
"I miss you."
His golden eyes got watery. He whispered, chocked up:
"Me too."
The beam of light started to fade. "I gotta go now. I hope you got everything. See you soon, my dear."
"Aziraphale, I-"
The beam was gone.
Crowley held his breath. He knew something was not right. He knew his Angel couldn't leave the bookshop, and him, like that.
In that exact moment, Muriel showed up from the stairs. "Everything's alright, Mr. Crowley? I heard some weird noises."
Crowley let out a feeble sob.
"I gotta go." And then he flew out of the bookshop, directly to his car.
