Crowley

[theangelfell]

Alcuin had seemed slightly horrified by what he'd just revealed to a stranger in a bookshop, but when Aziraphale opened his arms and Alcuin fell into them, he knew the young man would immediately feel better. He rubbed his back and said quietly, "It's all right, my dear. None of this is your fault."

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[sauntereddownward]

Crowley stepped in and saw them. A darkness overtook him and if he could have gotten away with strangling Alain, he would have.

A small, disgusted grunt escaped through his nose.

[theangelfell]

Aziraphale was still utterly clueless about how Crowley had interpreted his interest in Alcuin. So when he looked up and saw Crowley there, he didn't pull away quickly, but rather patted Alcuin's back once more and said softly, "Go home. Sleep soundly." A touch of grace.

Alain looked slightly more serene when he stepped away, and then saw who had joined them. "Oh hello," he said, still seeming a little shaken. "We've met, haven't we?"

[sauntereddownward]

"Unfortunately," came the snide reply.

[theangelfell]

Before Alain could react to that, Aziraphale said sharply, "Crowley. Manners." Then gently to Alain, "Go home, my dear. You'll feel better in the morning."

Alain looked quizzically at Crowley, but then just smiled shakily at the bookshop owner, and left.

[sauntereddownward]

Crowley glared at him until he could no longer see him through the window.

"What excuse does he have today for bothering you?" he asked.

[theangelfell]

Aziraphale frowned. "His boyfriend murdered Klaus Hargreeves."

[sauntereddownward]

He pursed his lips in thought.

"This certainly isn't upsetting, considering all he's done."

[theangelfell]

Aziraphale sighed. "The boy didn't murder people. Not intentionally. Though I think this situation with Klaus is also more complex than it seems. His killer is a man of God. Apparently convinced that Klaus will return."

[sauntereddownward]

His scowl twisted to something much more deeply, personally displeased.

"That's not good."

He hesitated.

"You should look into it. That's the Right thing to do."

[theangelfell]

"I'm sure the man could use some guidance," Aziraphale sighed. "What a mess." He was fond of Klaus, too.

[sauntereddownward]

"Someone should check on Klaus. He could be confused," he suggested. He rather liked the lad. He was a bit of a prick.

[theangelfell]

"And help him back?" Aziraphale offered hopefully. "It would be good for Alcuin, too. I think he's falling for this man. It would be a shame if he was a murderer." Again.

[sauntereddownward]

"Exactly," he nodded. "You should go do that. Get him back."

[theangelfell]

"Crowley, don't ah... don't you know your way around a bit better than I do?"

[sauntereddownward]

"Me? Surely you don't think I..."

He sputtered momentarily.

"You're not suggesting I go help."

[theangelfell]

"That is exactly what I'm suggesting," said Aziraphale.

[sauntereddownward]

Crowley screwed up his lips, gave a pathetic whinge, and stomped his foot petulantly.

"Fine," he huffed.

[theangelfell]

Aziraphale leaned in and kissed Crowley's cheek.

"I wonder if I should check on Alcuin. Or perhaps the pastor."

[sauntereddownward]

Oooh, Alcuin. Of course. Of course.

"I'm sure the pastor could use some council," he said.

[theangelfell]

Aziraphale nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, I think so. And I can check on Klaus' body while you try to find his soul."

[sauntereddownward]

"Do I really have to?" he whinged. "Maybe he'll figure it out on his own."

[theangelfell]

"Please, Crowley," Aziraphale said softly.

[sauntereddownward]

He huffed again.

"Fine. I'll go. Just give me some time. It's not as if I have the whole place memorized."

[theangelfell]

Aziraphale nodded. "Thank you, Crowley. For helping."

[sauntereddownward]

"I'll see what I can do," he grumbled...even though hearing the angel say thank you like that has him eager to hear it again.