Good Omens Fic Rec: Petrichor & Parchment
“Mr. Crowley, I presume?” Aziraphale asked in lieu of an introduction, which was not forthcoming. The guy hadn’t even removed his sunglasses. Oh God, he had a tattoo on his face. Aziraphale wasn’t one to judge, but… what kind of gardener had a snake tattoo on his face?
AO3 Rating: Expilict/ Spice Level 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Best for: After Dark, Human AU, Romance
Read it here, fic by MrsNoggin
*Minor Spoilers* There are some fics that I can only describe as decadent. I can't wax poetic about it, it's just the phrase that I instantly associate with a story like this. This is a book restorer/gardener au. Aziraphale has just moved out to the country and hires Crowley to tame his new garden. They are both beautifully passionate about what they do, which turns out to be the exact same. They are both restorers. Not fixing, “It’s not fixing. They don’t need fixing. They need a bit of care and attention. Some delicate surgery and healing. Someone to care for them, revive them, rebuild them, reassure them. Put them back together and help them stay that way.” Aziraphale with his books, and Crowley with the neglected garden. And of course you know how else they can use those inherent traits of nurturing and compassion.
I love Aziraphale in this. He's not written silly or overly self conscious. He has insecurities and doubts of course, but he's confident in who he is and more importantly he loves who he is. He doesn't make excuses for his passion. The scene with the town vicar was a particular stand out for me. We don't know too much about Crowley. This story is more about what's happening in the now, not much backstory. But there are plenty of clues and a small explanation from Crowley that let's us piece together a lot of the story ourselves. The beauty of fanfiction is we're all so intimately aware of these characters it's effortless to read their body language and subtle clues. This story utilizes that well. Allowing us to fill in the gaps because it trusts us to pick up on those details. Crowley here is slightly shy and quieter than some authors write him. Well, okay amendment, he's shy and quiet OUTSIDE the bedroom. But it's an excellent take that really understands the core of who he is. Love that there is some miscommunication and insecurities in their new relationship but stays realistic and grounded. They're not going to run away from each other, they're going to stay and figure it out together.
This story is just so lush and beautiful. I want to live in it. It made my heart race with tension, and burn with the romance of it all. This is at home reading. There are a couple of explicit sex scenes, so don't be reading this one where someone could be peaking over your shoulder. Unless you're into that sort of thing I guess!
Read it here, fic by MrsNoggin