Work Text:
The background check would take three days to come back. In the meantime, Aziraphale did what he did best... Fret. Next to reading books, fretting was his number one hobby. He would fret about little things until they would take over his mind completely, and he could barely concentrate on anything else. But the background check was not a little thing. Mx. Prince may have appeared to offer him the job, but he wondered what they would decide once the background check came back with petty theft as his misdemeanor. Of all the things that could be a problem for achieving employment, petty theft was one thing that could kill your chances in one fell swoop. Understandable, really.
He talked to Newt about it. He spoke to Tracy about it. He even had a small conversation with Shadwell about it. But no matter what reassuring things they had to say, except for Shadwell, who basically told him it’d be a miracle if he got the job, Aziraphale could not be put at ease. He wanted someone to talk to. Someone he could really talk to. And the only person who came to mind was Crowley. But then again, Crowley was always on his mind. But who would know better than Crowley whether Aziraphale had a chance in hell of getting this job? Crowley looked like a successful, very successful, employee if not an employer. Surely Crowley would tell him the truth. Crowley could tell them if there was any hope to be had.
The lovely man had told him that Aziraphale would see him around. But the only place Crowley knew to look for him was the bench he had occupied every morning. He could try going to that Starbucks again... but what were the chances he’d find him there? Which is how he found himself walking towards his trusty bench that had served as a bed more times than he could count. Once it came into sight, he froze. If he went to that bench and sat there to wait for Crowley, the man would know that he was seeking him out on purpose. After all, Aziraphale had told him he had shelter now. And he was wearing clothes that were newer, cleaner, ironed!
Would he find that pathetic? Would he think something untoward? Would he think Aziraphale was trying to ask for more charity? Not that he ever asked him before… That was the last thing he wanted! It was the only thing keeping him from moving forward. He didn’t want Crowley to think that he was after his money or expensive accessories. And so he fretted. And fretted.
He hadn’t even realized that he’d brought his hand up to his breast pocket where Crowley’s sunglasses lived. It had brought him comfort, but now it was a reminder that the man he sought was completely out of his league, that he could never hope to have him as a friend, let alone anything more. What if Crowley had only been polite? What if Crowley, after knowing he was safe and sound, didn’t want to see him again? Oh, but worst of all, what if Crowley thought he was after more than just a friendly acquaintanceship?
No. It was a bad idea. What had he been thinking?
“Hey,” a lovely voice drawled.
Aziraphale startled, whipping his head around almost a hundred-eighty degrees. “Oh, goodness! H-hello!”
There was his guardian angel, all in black, wearing brand new sunglasses, red hair tied in a half bun. And there was that grin, knowing, mischievous, downright sexy.
“I was hoping to see you around soon. How have you been?” his voice was gentle and fond.
Aziraphale could hardly believe it. This beautiful man actually cared! Why had he doubted that? Was his faith in other people that lacking? Life had certainly beaten him down. Until that very moment, he hadn’t realized how much his confidence had taken a beating. He felt small. Smaller than usual. And now a light was shining on him, and he didn’t know what to do.
He swallowed hard. “I’m doing rather well. And yourself?”
It was clear that Crowley didn’t believe him when his smile turned into pursed lips. “Do you want to try that again?”
Aziraphale chuckled nervously. “Am I so easy to read?” A cocked eyebrow was all he got for an answer. “In all honesty, I should be feeling rather happy and excited, but I find myself doing what I do best... Fretting. I was also rather hoping to… run into you. I get the impression you’re the best person to ask work advice from.”
Crowley smiled wide and tilted his head, taking him all in. “Wanna grab breakfast? I’d love to help if I can.”
Aziraphale could have swooned right there. In fact, he swayed just a bit. “I couldn’t possibly take up your time like that. I’m sure you have important things to get to. Work? Wedding planning?” A partner… He smiled wistfully.
Crowley pulled out his phone and looked at it. He hummed in thought, then began typing away. Once he was done, he pocketed his phone. “I’m all yours now.” Good lord, what a thing to say! “M’taking a half-day.”
“Oh, Oh, dear. Please. Please don’t do that on my account. It’s really nothing so serious. It’s actually a good thing it’s just… oh, goodness I’m ridiculous.”
“No, you’re not,” Crowley said with a finality that surprised Aziraphale. “There’s a coffee roaster around that corner. Much better stuff than Starbucks. Blech. Care to join me?”
“Only if you allow me to pay for breakfast.” Oh, Aziraphale was absolutely gone on this man. How the hell was he going to pay for breakfast for two and not come short with his next repayment? He remembered the sunglasses in his pocket. It was a sad thought to sell them, but spending actual time with the man who gave them to him was worth more than keeping a memento.
Crowley scoffed. “Absolutely not. I invited you.”
“Yes, but I am the reason you’ll be missing half a day of work.”
“I can afford it.” You can’t, went unsaid, but Aziraphale heard it, nonetheless. It stung even though Crowley was correct and meant well.
“Please.” And he must have looked quite desperate because Crowley gave him another calculating look and relented.
“Alright, angel.”
Oh, my stars and garters, I’m utterly ruined.