Chapter Text
“Straight home, my Lord?” Crowley’s driver asked.
“Perhaps we could take a detour past the old home?” Crowley requested, hoping his driver would not be able to see through his intentions.
Crowley sat back in the dark wagon as it rode through town, past the grand estates.
“Slow down!” Crowley called, his whole body leaning out of the carriage window.
Crowley dared to look up at the familiar home that once was his neighbour. He looked up at the familiar window, hoping he might find her sitting there, a shadow in the low light, book in hand. Just as Aziraphale had always been, back in the days of old. But no silhouette graced the window. Not even low candlelight glowed from inside. Crowley sighed. What had he expected, after all? It had been three years since he’d last been home. Surely Aziraphale would be wed now, living somewhere else.
“Continue on!” Crowley called to his driver, and the carriage jolted forward.
Crowley sunk back into his seat with a heavy sigh. But a small smile grew on his lips. After all, it was what Aziraphale deserved, to be married, happy. It was all Crowley had ever wanted for her. Although, he was saddened that it could not be him.
-
Crowley wasn’t looking forward to his first ball back in town at all. The moment he came into the grand estate, every eye turned to him, and people started whispering to each other. Crowley supposed that was to be expected, as he had been gone for three years. He soon found the familiar faces of old chums. They came over to greet Crowley warmly and inquire as to his adventures. As Crowley conversed, his eyes scanned the room, searching.
“Paris!” One man proclaimed in response to Crowley’s tales. “I hear the woman there are even more fine.”
Crowley hummed lowly in response.
A small gathering of ladies moved away, clearing Crowley’s eyesight to a small refreshment table near the back corner of the room. Crowley’s breath was taken from him at the sight of… Her.
Aziraphale was even more beautifully stunning than when he’d left. She was wearing a lovely blue dress, her favourite. Aziraphale’s long, white curls were done up excellently. She looked a bit more mature, her figure a bit fuller. She was nibbling at a pastry, absentmindedly watching the dancing in the center of the room.
“Excuse me, gentleman.” Crowley pushed past them, ignoring any reaction they might have had to his rude departure.
/
“Miss Fell.” A voice startled Aziraphale. She looked over, only to be met with a face that took her breath away.
“Crowley!” She was startled in shock at seeing him again.
Aziraphale’s eyes flickered over him. Crowley looked as handsome as ever in his usual grand black suit with red accents, as had always been his typical. His hair was longer. His skin was sun-touched, making him look even more mature than when he’d left.
Aziraphale had feared she’d never see him again when Crowley had abruptly left with little to no warning. It left Aziraphale feeling all sorts of confused to find Crowley standing there, greeting her so formally as well.
“Lord Crowley.” Aziraphale quickly corrected.
Formality was proper. They were no longer children, barely even friends anymore. After all, they hadn’t talked during the three years in which Crowley had been traversing the world.
“Your…” Aziraphale blinked as she took Crowley in, still rather startled by it all. But her heart felt so warm to have him back, for Aziraphale had missed him. But that just made it all the worse, for Aziraphale could never have him.
“It has been far too long.” Crowley was looking distantly at Aziraphale. “It is good to see you again.”
Aziraphale smiled softly. “You too, Lord Crowley. You’re back…”
“Indeed. My travels… wearied me. And as much as I detest functions such as these, home felt…a reprieve.”
Aziraphale nodded, feeling nervous as ever, standing next to Crowley. All eyes were on them, on Crowley in particular. Aziraphale longed for a drink or fan to hide her nerves behind.
“I’m surprised to find you here, standing by yourself.” Crowley’s eyes flickered across the room. “You haven’t…”
Implications filled Crowley’s words. Aziraphale ducked her head, a touch embarrassed.
“No.” She replied.
Aziraphale knew she wasn’t what society deemed beautiful. She’d accepted her fate of becoming a spinster, just as her family believed her fate to be.
There had been a time when Aziraphale had fancied that Crowley might ask for her hand… But Crowley had always been off with some other ladies, and then he’d left. Aziraphale and Crowley had only ever been friends, childhood neighbours. Crowley only ever showed Aziraphale kindness out of sympathy for her, most likely. Though how Aziraphale appreciated Crowley’s kindness to her. For she’d cherished their friendship, in lack of any other, over the many years they’d been together. Aziraphale mourned the loss of it after Crowley left, not even providing Aziraphale a place for her to send penned correspondence.
“No,” Aziraphale replied. “Four years on the marriage market, and I’m afraid I’m destined to be a spinster.”
“Don’t say that!” Aziraphale’s breath was taken from her as she saw Crowley’s eyes as fierce as anything. She blushed and ducked her head.
“Are you dancing with anyone tonight?” Crowley asked lightly.
“I’ve reserved myself to this corner.” Aziraphale informed him.
“Beside the sweets, as typical.” Crowley smiled fondly at her. “I’m glad to see you haven’t changed.”
Aziraphale flushed some more.
“How were your travels?” She was keen to hear of them. She often longed to travel herself. But her parents would never allow her, as she was unwed.
“Quite amazing.” Crowley turned to look out at the dancing. “I have many tales. Perhaps we could share each other’s company and go on a jaunt to Gage Park, as we used to. Tomorrow, perhaps. And I could share with you some of the stories of my travels.” Crowley looked back over.
“Oh, Crowley. I don’t know.” They hadn’t done that in ages. “If people saw… it wouldn’t be appropriate.”
Crowley nodded respectfully. “I understand. You still have your reputation to uphold.”
Aziraphale felt saddened. “But perhaps…”
Crowley’s eyes were back on Aziraphale, and she felt a glimmer of hopefulness.
“If we both so happened to be out there at the same time. And we so happened to bump into each other.”
Crowley was smiling warmly.
“Two, perhaps,” Aziraphale suggested.
“I shall clear my schedule,” Crowley replied.
Aziraphale smiled fondly. “It seems there are many others who wish to hear of your grand adventures.” Aziraphale nodded towards the gathering of other ladies in their small circles, who were casting shy gazes over and whispering to each other.
“Indeed. I suppose I must make polite and converse with others.” Crowley fixed his jacket. “Good evening, Miss Fell.” He bowed his head to her. “It was delightful to see you again.”
“And you, Lord Crowley.” Aziraphale curtsied and Crowley left.