Chapter Text
Crowley was standing at the bar in Nassau, waiting for their coconut cocktails, when something heavy fell on the counter next to him with a loud thud. Crowley jumped and turned his head.
On the counter lay a very familiar old book. And next to it stood a very familiar man in sunglasses. He was dressed very differently – no black leather, no mask, no weapon, just a loose shirt and white shorts. And still, Crowley recognized him. You don’t easily forget someone who holds you and the love of your life at gunpoint.
“Hi,” Ned said, studying the bottles behind the bar and not looking at Crowley, as if they were two spies on the bench in St James’s Park. “Don’t fret, I’m not here for revenge.”
“O-okay,” managed Crowley, not really convinced.
“I brought you a wedding gift.” Ned pointed at the book Crowley had once stolen from the church to get into his band. “Or, rather, it’s for your husband. Heard he was into this shit.”
“He’d kill you if he saw you put it on the bar counter, you know,” Crowley said. Ned smirked.
“Sounds like the right guy for a present like this, then. You probably want to know why I was attacking weddings, don’t you?”
“Because someone had dumped you, and you hated seeing people happily in love?”
Ned looked at Crowley then, and Crowley regretted having opened his mouth. But the storm was over as soon as it started.
“Anyway,” Ned looked away. “It’s also a job offer. You two packed almost all my people, so I’m looking for a new crew ’til I get them out. So, if you’re ever interested… You know how to find me,” he said and walked off dramatically. Crowley rolled his eyes.
“No, I don’t!” he cried after him, but the stupid drama queen was already gone. “Nevermind. Wasn’t interested anyway.”
“Who are you talking to?” Aziraphale asked, coming up to Crowley from the restroom.
“Oh. Someone’s brought us a present. Look,” Crowley took the book and handed it to Aziraphale. “It’s got my fingerprints. I think you should have it. It’ll be safe with you.”
Aziraphale took the book carefully, without even commenting on it lying on the bar counter, and held it as tightly and gently as he had held Crowley at their wedding. As he was going to hold him all his life.