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"It hurts to be this beautiful."
That is all.
Hi Courtney!
I keep saying this, but this chapter is breaking my heart. I feel so bad for Crowley. I know he wouldn’t want me to, but I just want to wrap him up in a blanket and give him a big hug. Seeing him here, so broken-hearted and upset over Aziraphale’s reaction to the kiss. Because Crowley just wanted to be seen. And Aziraphale couldn’t give that to them. Is there anything more hurtful than that?
Watching Muriel try to manage Crowley is sort of hilarious though.
Because even if they broke you, you hoped that’s what they wanted for you. To endure.
^^^These lines are so wrenchingly beautiful. Well done you!
Yours,
Noelle
Hi Courtney!
AHHH Georgette Heyer! I love that Aziraphale is a Heyer fan. I also love that he is so tuned in to details that he can’t be fooled by miracle replicas. And it looks like Aziraphale did a good job taking care of Crowley’s plants. I hope Crowley will bring more. I feel like it would get kind of stifling in a car all day.
Is it just me, or is the way Crowley talks to his plants kind of…sexy?
It’s so adorable that Aziraphale is an amateur magician. This charms me as much as it charms Crowley.
Oh my goodness, Crowley removing Aziraphale’s messed up drawn-on mustache is so hot.
And now he’s redrawing it and Aziraphale is like hyperventilating and could they just kiss already??? Although I guess Aziraphale would be late to his gig if they start that.
And the lipstick. You’re killing me.
And now I want to cry again. Crowley could make Aziraphale fall if he wanted to. But he doesn’t want to. He just wants to help. SOBBING!
Yours,
Noelle
Hi Courtney!
Okay, so this chapter really broke my heart. First we have Aziraphale pining and lusting for Crowley while Crowley sleeps. You do a wonderful job showing us that, and creating this very intimate atmosphere where Aziraphale is watching Crowley and Crowley doesn’t know. Aziraphale thinks that Crowley wouldn’t like to be observed like this, but I feel like maybe it’s more that Aziraphale can’t allow HIMSELF the pleasure of watching Crowley in such an intimate way when they are both awake. Because he spends so much time worrying about what Heaven would think, and try to obey enough of Heaven’s rules so that he can go back here. The way he thinks about how he feels about Crowley makes me so sad.
I LOVED the diary entry, and the idea of Aziraphele and Crowley at Henry VIII’s court, of course working for opposite sides. But they still talk, and flirt, and dance, and gosh it’s all so lovely and heartbreaking.
Yours,
Noelle
Courtneyyyyy
Why must you hurt me so with this ANGUISH from Crowley!? You do an excellent job with your prose covering vast spans of time while still boiling down to one important point that all of this theorizing and complaining of Crowley's is doing. The descriptions of Crowley's movements and just how ~fluidly~ he moves in my mental visualization is exactly how David Tennant does in the show, and I'm just awed by how perfectly you've captured body language for him, and even the little bit we have with Aziraphale at the end there. Crowly just waxing poetic in his mind about all the things he'd like to touch and learn about Aziraphale is just *chef's kiss*. Crowley KNOWING that Aziraphale hates the rain and YET has come out into it and is STANDING in it because he's concerned there's been an emergency with Crowley has my heart tearing, oh lord. But of course, it's too soon for Crowley to admit to and give in to his feelings for Aziraphale, so he just has to dismiss Aziraphale's offer and drive off into the rain, clearly not improving his mood one tiny bit. Gah, you ineffable husbands who just can't communicate!!
Madi
~Project Tempus Linea~
Author's Response:Madi omgawsh this review is so incredibly sweet! I really DO try to pay attention to what David and Michael are doing movement wise when I think about writing Crowley and Aziraphale. Obviously David is a lot more extra in his movements than Michael, given the characters, but to have someone recognize it...ahh it made my heart so happy!
And yes, omg, Crowley loves Aziraphale, even if they are the only two people who don't know it xD. I often think of the line from like S2 of Grey's Anatomy where it's like "the only people who don't know that Meredith loves Derek are Meredith and Derek," because even though its a different fandom I just feel it fits Crowley and Aziraphale.
This is SUCH a complimentary review and I really do appreciate you taking the time to check out this story and leave a review! It seriously means so much!
~ Courtney
COURTNEY
This started so cute and how could you end it in such heartbreak, ughhh. I mean, I know that's the point of the challenge, but STILL. STILL. Poor Crowley, feeling like they don't have a home and have to live out in their car with their plants - but it's because they don't want to get too attached to Aziraphale because of how different they are :(
And I was so excited when Aziraphale was watering the plants and so excited about being included - but Crowley does have a point, that it is his privacy and even though I can see his intentions behind it, Aziraphale still shoouldn't have gone snooping. BUT, then again, when someone isn't opening up to you when something's clearly bothering them, it's time to take matters into your own hands. And he just wanted to give them a place for their plants
Each of those "the point was" hit like a gutpunch I wasn't anticipating. Ugh. This was so so good, though <33
Another great addition to this collection!*written for R&D*
Author's Response:Jill, thank you for stopping by to check out more of this series!
Ahh yess...Aziraphale had the best of intentions in this chapter. But Crowley is Crowley and he has a REEALLY hard time believing he deserves nice gestures and/or doesn't want to be a burden to anyone. Especially Aziraphale. Not that Aziraphale would ever make him feel that way but yeah, these two are just stupid and messy about how they communicate and handle their feelings.
I wanted this to read like a "technicality," thing, ya know? Like it's about the plants and privacy, but really it's also about Crowley being vulnerable and not wanting to open himself up to being hurt by the one person who has been the constant in his life. But yeah, his delivery on how to react/handle that totally sucks.
Thanks for the review!
~ Courtney
This one broke my heart. Crowley is so jealous of Dickie 300 years later. He'll never look at the gavotte the same way again.
Author's Response:Yeahhhh Crowley still can't get over the fact that Aziraphale loved a human in the way he wishes Aziraphale loved him. I guess he's good at hiding his true feelings though and is sort of good friend anyway? But yeah, the pining and the miscommuncation does make for an angsty story for them.
Thanks again for reading this one!
~ Courtney
BECAUSE YOU LOVE HIM ANGEL!!!
Sad Drunk! Aziraphale is adorable
Author's Response:Aww, I know! I just wanna wrap Aziraphale in blankets and feed him sushi in this chapter. Well at least I did one of those things. ;)
Thanks for stopping by!
~ Courtney
The misunderstandings are breaking my heart.
I swear Crowley keeps showing off that bit of stomach on purpose
Author's Response:Yes, they are definitely miscommunicating quite stupidly throughout this entire collection xD
And bahaha he might be showing it off on purpose, Noelle. Or I am just that thirsty for David Tennant xD
Thank you again for this little review! :)
~ Courtney
What they once created was beautiful SOBBING!! I love that Crowley created his own planet. I also love that Crowley loves naps and Aziraphale doesn't sleep.
Author's Response:I am so glad you enjoyed the planet subplot Noelle. I just have to tell you that the planet in question was ACTUALLY not formed in a "usual" scientific manner. Naturally my fangirl brain went to "Crowley was behind this lol." So I truly had the most fun ever exploring that in this story. And yes, the Crowley naps a ridiculous amount (he actually slept through most of the 19th century in the books xD, which is hilarious because in the show there are a couple of flashbacks where Crowley is very much alive and act in the 19th Century), and Aziraphale rarely does is just another difference between these two.
Anyway, thank you for this mini review! It made my day!
~ Courtney
Hi Courtney! I’m here for Prize Review 1/5 :D
I love how you write Crowley’s PoV. All the anger that’s simmering there. Even when he’s working to calm himself down (Tai Chi in the 70s, lol) he still seems like he’s on the verge of exploding. The way he tears around in his Bentley, the music you chose for him to be listening to, he’s just a little ball of rage about to explode.
His musings on the demons’ actions in Ancient Greece were fascinating. I loved that take that because what happened in Ancient Greece was kinda messed up, that it then has these repercussions in the modern day in a totally different situation, and how both the demons and probably the angels are loving it. Except for Crowley. It’s making him miserable and pissed off.
I love how you show us Crowley’s secret soft spots. Both with how he saved some of the boys in Ancient Greece, and with how in love he is with Aziraphale. The pining is as palpable as the rain.
I’m so excited about this new fandom!
Yours,
Noelle
Author's Response:Noelle, thank you so much for reviewing this (even if it is a total angst fest)!
Oh my gosh, I just love that with these characters they have lived forever, so you can just insert random "fads" of things they might do. Hence the Tai Chi remark hah. And of course, he more serious stuff that was happening in Ancient Greece. I just felt like Crowley's would have opinions about that.
And yes, upon second reflection this was a very ragey introduction. I probably had just watched the scene in S2 of GO where Crowley makes lightning strike or something lol.
But yes, Crowley does have some soft spots. Even if he's a demon and "not nice," he definitely does good in the world.
Thank you for this lovely review!
~ Courtney
Hello, Courtney, my dear! Here with a little gift for your wishlist! Happy holidays! <3
Ah, poor Crowley... Torturing others had once been a big part of their job description, and because of their vast experience with it, they were rather good at tormenting themselves. Yeah, I can see that, makes a lot of sense... but also, how sad... :/
I love how this chapter was constructed, with Crowley overthinking the best friend sentence, and then the dream, and coming back full circle with a new sentence to overthink. You know how much I love circularity in chapters, so I loved that here. And, well, I've already mentioned before how perfect the angst in all these chapters is... Crowley's jealousy here was so perfect! I love the way you painted the scene, the awkwardness between them, so well done! And the "I just don't want to see you hurt" Aww... I mean, maybe it wasn't 100% honest, but Crowley's concern is sort of moving... but I can also understand Aziraphale, the desire to experience the depth of the human emotions, even if it's something fleeting... but also, Crowley can be there forever, and they could give him more, if he only allowed... wow, there's so much to undig there...
On a lighter note, I was just reading the replies to my previous reviews, and it was nice to get a bit of Dickie's backstory here! :P Thank you for expanding a little this plotline! :D
I'm sure I'm forgetting to mention something foundamental, but just know that this was lovely as usual! <3
Thank you so much for writing and sharing! And happiest of holidays once again! <3
Big snowball hug,
Chiara
Author's Response:Chiara, I know I'm months later to respond to this, but thank you so much for this review!
I'm glad you appreciated the full circle moment. I, too, enjoy writing things like that! And yeah, I think at this point in time, Crowley doesn't GET why he's so angry about Dickie and Aziraphale. There is some validity about the "I don't wanna see you get hurt statement," but I also think he's kind of living in denial and also not entirely sure what's going on. Because this is his best friend/not best friend--if heaven or hell ask haha. ;P
Writing this Dickie Cockerham backstory was loads of fun (even if it caused strife for our two main boys here) and I am glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you again!
~ Courtney
Crowley is unfairly hot.
It just needed to be said.
having the object of your affections take their naps IN YOUR BED ON THE REGULAR is like a special kind of personal hell.
Btw, when Aziraphale said out loud, "You really are being a nitty about this," I loved that I couldn't exactly tell whether he was talking to himself or saying it in response to hypothetical things Crowley didn't actually say, and I love that it could probably be either. XD
Crowley tampering with Henry VIII's court... uh... would explain a lot of things. :P Not sure Heaven ever had a chance there.
I do really love how even Crowley is like, "Ok but why exactly does he'll need this many souls?? Like, what's the plan??" Bc sure maybe they like the chaos of it all, but they're far too clever to just accept "moar souls, because!"
Also, crying/laughing at the idea of Aziraphale possibly having to include in an official report some day, "nailed demon." Like. Yes. I, too, would be taking care if I knew I was going to have to write an incident report about my sexcapades.
XD
Melanie <3
Author's Response:No, I am not thirsting after Crowley in this, totally not. Ok. You can probably tell that I am xD.
And yes, Azi is the most precious and we love him and will protect him at all costs.
Crowley tampering with Henry VIII's court... uh... would explain a lot of things. :P Not sure Heaven ever had a chance there.
^^ This was so much damn fun to write hah. :)
Also, crying/laughing at the idea of Aziraphale possibly having to include in an official report some day, "nailed demon."
^^ Bahah well I certainly never meant it like that. But if you took it as such THAT IS funny hah. No, but it was more or less heaven already knowing that Aziraphale and Crowley are essentially "bfs" so like how would they not know if Aziraphale "defiled," his human form. And poor Azi also has some unresolved internalized homophobia/religiuous trauma, so he is just...I just really wanna give him a hug and tell him it's going to be ok.
Anyway, thank you so much for breezing through this angst series! I appreciate you taking the time to read and share your thoughts!
<3 Courtney
Dickie Cockerham. XD
I'm just imagining so many fun arguments about the name alone. "'Dickie,' angel?? Dickie???" (And Aziraphale: "Now honestly no need to be crass!")
These two are like the definition of idiots in love. Literal centuries of this. And while they have eternal life they're basically lonely for all of it, which kind of stuck out to me when Crowley was talking about how a human can't ever truly give either of them what they need. But it's something they seem to both be needing more and more, perhaps because -- as I like how you pointed out -- something about living like a human makes them start to actuall feel human things and have human desires.
Also I love the bit about Crowley trying to tempt the MP in order to ruin him and kill the vote that Heaven is backing. XD
<3 Melanie
Author's Response:Yes, I legit did that on purpose to poor Dickie Cockerham. I needed a ridiculous name that Aziraphale would defend because he felt bad and Crowley would endless tease him for. I have no regrets. 8)
"...something about living like a human makes them start to actuall feel human things and have human desires."
^^Yes, in canon both have "gone native," according to the angels and demons, so I definitely wanted to play that up in this story.
And hahah I nearly forgot about the vote thing...but yes, it was GREAT FUN to come up with reasons for them being where they were at certain points in history (the next chapter also takes a look at that too).
Thank you for these lovely reviews, I am glad you are enjoying the series, in spite of all the angst!
<3 Courtney
Okay I am actually and fully obsessed with how you write them. Their dialogue in everything I've read so far is perfect. Their respective manners of speaking and the way their tone and attitudes come across. And you really just capture this dynamic, the bickering (more than) friends who are always doing everything together because they can't NOT be together, they hardly even have to discuss plans because they're each other's go-to person even without saying it. And like, if someone were watching this as a scene where we don't get a narrative revealing their internal feelings, it so perfectly portrays a dynamic that could be easily seen from one perspective as friends, from another as bickering roommates trying to pretend they're not really friends, from another perspective as people who want to be more than friends but aren't admitting it, and maybe even from another perspective, two people who are already lovers and just have this wonderful, comfortable, friendship dynamic as a foundation. <3
Also now I want wine and sushi.
Melanie
Author's Response:This review means more than I could ever put into words! I try so hard to "hear" their voices in my head. And also, when I think up a bit of dialogue, sometimes I have to decide 'who would say this?' Because they both do have different voices. I mean most people do, but you're right there is a different cadence and general dynamic in how they communicate individually and with one another.
Thank you a thousand times over for checking out this series!
<3 Courtney
Crowley is AAAAANGST personified. The cynicism. The defensiveness. The RESISTANCE TO BEING LOVED. *weeps* Like they put the fucking plants back in the car sdkjf.sjakdf so extra.
When Aziraphale, that little cinnamon roll, is... *gestures* WELL LOOK AT HIM
whenever he made delighted sounds while reading his monthly periodical.
Stop it that's so cute.
Okay, well, at least Crowley left the leopard lily. <3
Melanie
Author's Response:Oh yeah, Crowley's got issues. And I don't think he knows how to appropriately handle them hah. I view him/them as pride personified in a lot of instances...sure, he/they is nice and generous and giving, but he/they is also very guarded and concerned about how people view him/his persona. Which, makes sense. He/they went against the grain in Heaven and now in Hell, he/they sort of is doing the same. So yeah, it just makes a whole conflicting mess of a being. But I love them. Love em to bits and pieces.
Oh gosh yeah and then writing Aziraphale as the TOTAL OPPOSITE. Yeah it's fun/amusing, but also hurts because these too fucking suck at actual communication. xD
Yes, I don't want Crowley to ever come across as a total dick. Like yes they might say dickish things....but I don't actually think they are a dick at heart. And in their way of protecting themselves/their wounded pride they take all the plants except one. Because compromise. Even with your best friend whom you may or may not be cohabitating with and/or falling in love with? Lilith, the leopard lily, remains in the bookshop in this universe, no matter what else happens.
Thank you again for the review my friend!
<3 Courtney
COURTNEY! *throws snowball*
You actually caught me the fuck off guard with this one. I know it's an angsty fic series, but you hooked me in so much to A's glee and contentment and excitement while reading his magazine and doing his reminiscing, that when we got around to C being, eh you know, an aloof dick about it, I'd FORGOTTEN that this was meant to ultimately make me sad!
I just was absolutely tickled by the scene of A reading the magazine, how adorable, and:
It was marvellous to watch them find things he once had a hand in creating.
It's like a fic writer eager to see when readers find the little Easter eggs they put in the fic, lmao. Not that I would know anything about that.
And oh, the way he was so ecstatic about them finding C's planet (and lmao, did C just put like this random thing in the galaxy the be chaotic and funny??) XD
Crowley sleeping for 3 days like all hanging off the sofa is me. Such a mood.
Aziraphale's poor heart when Crowley is all downplaying the moment and being all fucking withdrawn and angsty. HOW COULD YOU.
Also, like, chefskiss on the narrative style here, it felt 1000% like Aziraphale.
<333 Melanie
Author's Response:Lord yes, I could go on and on about the RIDICULOUS amount of time I spent researching "recent astronomical discoveries," and when I discovered this planet in CORVUS. DUDE. IT IS ACTUALLY SCIENTIFICALLY DOCUMENTED THAT IT DIDN'T FORM UNDER "USUAL" CIRCUMSTANCES!!! So naturally my unwell fangirl brain was like I BET CROWLEY GOT UP TO SOMETHING MISCHEVIOUS. Like in that moment, I absolutely knew this belonged in this fic hahah.
I am sooo glad you enjoy my Aziraphale narration. He is a delight to write. Even when he's sad. I just wanna cover him in a blanket and give him a hug hah.
Thank you again for this review, my friend!
<3 Courtney
MA'AM ARE YOU HERE TO BRING US A BREAKUP FIC ABOUT INEFFABLE HUSBANDS WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS
There's something in your writing itself that really embodies and contrasts each of them -- the frenetic and agitated narrative that follows Crowley, and then sudden everything feels slower and more deliberate with Aziraphale's arrival. I could just picture this scene so perfectly, Crowley stewing in his car and Aziraphale just standing there oh so patiently, this soothing force even when Crowley doesn't consciously recognize it. <3
Author's Response:Uhmmm :looks around: Who me?! Angst?! Noooooo. No, no, no *chuckles anxiously* Oh ok yessss. But I also have two fluffier pieces in process here too! :sweat smile:
I'm delighted to hear you felt like I capture their energy in the narrative. This was the very first thing I wrote feat the Ineffable Hubsters, so really that makes me happy. Thank you for the tag and for the review!
<3 Courtney
Hi, Courtney, my dear! Here for our swap! :)
Well, this one was a bit less painful than the previous chapters... but I can see where the angst is coming from here, with them still so in denial of what they actually feel for each other... If only the word didn't feel quite so inadequate. That's what the matter is, right?
But I liked the bit of reminiscing here :P Dickie Cockerham, unfortunate name, indeed... :P And well, I suppose they both have a point... you can live in privilege and still lack foundamental aspects of life and the freedom to be yourself... and that's so sad, isn't it? Then, again, it happens a bit to all of us, feeling trapped in societal expectations in one way or another...
It's sad how Aziraphale feels like he can't be completely honest about his feelings with Crowley... I loved how, in contrast, Crowley seemed so open and honest in this moment, instead! And again, I love the care they always show for each other. You can just feel it, and I love to see it every time! <3
"I am not odd." / "It's part of your charm, angel." Okay, this exchange is so sweet! :D
Also... lockdown! Oh, my! What a crazy time that was to be alive, wasn't it? But I suppose they've lived through many crazier times than that, lol! :P
Great chapter as always, my dear! A real delight to read as usual! Thank you so much for writing and sharing and for accepting the swap! <3
Big snowball hug,
Chiara
Author's Response:This is probably one of my more favorite chapters I wrote (Matter of Trust is hand's down my fave tho)...they sort of teeter on the verge of oversharing here. And in some ways they DO overshare a bit. But that's what the alcohol is for. ;)
Dickie Cockerham became a plot bunny that I grabbed onto and allowed it to pull me down a very deep rabbit hole lol. I even toyed with a spin off fic that detailed that a bit more. But I think the second Dickie Cockerham chapter sort of closes that storyline out aha. Anyway, more on Dickie in another drabble.
Annyway, thank you for your review!
~ Courtney
Hello, Courtney, my dear! Trick or treat? :D
Oh... come on... why do you have to be so proud and secretive? Why can't you both just admit your feelings and communicate properly??? (Sorry, I had to chastise these idiots a bit... :P but that only goes to show how invested I'm getting, and how well you're capturing them, right? <3)
But really, it is so painful to see them hurting and arguing like this... and I can see where Crowley is coming from... they see Heaven's fails much clearer than Aziraphale does, which makes sense, and it does create sort of a divide between them... and Aziraphale on his part only wants to take care of Crowley and do what he thinks is best for them, but does it in all the wrong ways... urgh, I only want them both to be happy... :(
Anyway, despite all the pain (but that's the point of the challenge, isn't it?) I'm still loving this collection so much! I love your interpretation of the characters, I love the way you write their thought processes, your writing is delightful as always and it reads so naturally and really tugs at the heartstrings! Have I ever told you you're really a talented writer, Courtney? I'm sure I have a couple of times... :P
Wonderful job as always!
Big snowball hug,
Chiara
Author's Response:Aww Chiara, I know! I really pulled out all the painful punches on this one! I thought there was something kind of funny about Crowley keeping secret that their plants were living in The Bentley. But yeah, he's too proud to admit that he's lost his apartment, his position, etc. Even if Aziraphale would welcome him with open arms. Crowley just struggles with people being nice, doesn't he? Anyway...thank you so much for all of this high praise! I am delighted that someone is enjoying this series.
Thank you for the review!
~ Courtney
Hi, Courtney! Here for our swap! <3
Ouch! You're really pulling out the angst in these, aren't you? Poor Aziraphale... he thought he would make Crowley happy with this discovery, and he got the opposite reaction... :( Of course, I can totally see why Crowley wouldn't show any excitement, since he's so disillusioned about heaven's plans... it's probably hurtful for him to remember his role in the creation... but for Aziraphale this represents a connection between them and... wow, how sad! Aziraphale, please, Crowley's reaction is not because he doesn't value what you shared, you must know it... why can't you two just communicate properly??? :(
In other news, I loved the way Aziraphale was admiring Crowley as he slept :P He obviously has the hots for him, as much as he tries to deny it... I loved all your descriptions in that scene, and all of Aziraphale's thoughts and reactions... he's so in love! <3
And I also loved the introduction of the chapter, and all the astronomical details... it was really fascinating to read, so beautiful! And I can totally imagine Aziraphale reading about the new discoveries and enjoying it so much... <3
Am I forgetting something I should comment on? Very likely... :P Anyway, this was another great chapter! I love the way you're approaching this challenge, and I love your portrayal of these two, I think you really capture them both so well! It's just a lovely read, even if a bit heartbreaking...
Thank you so much for the swap, always a big pleasure! <3
Big snowball hug,
Chiara
Author's Response:Ahhh...you picked up on all of the miscommunication issues they experience in canon that I attempted to pull out here as well! It kind of makes me feel like I did my job in delivering the angst. As upsetting as it was for me to have to do that and then watch Aziraphale's heart slowly break. Poor bby.
And yes, trying to come up with things for Aziraphale to fill all his time with, since like, he doesn't sleep like Crowley lol. It felt right for him to be "checking up on," this corner of the universe he potentially had a hand in creating. And then actually, the planetary system referenced is a newer one that scientists have actually determined did not form under "usual," circumstances...the fangirl in me immediately HAD TO go there xD
Thank you for this review, Chiara, I so appreciate it!
~ Courtney
courtney! here for our swap :)
oof, this one hurt. you could practically feel aziraphale's excitement through the screen as he's reading the paper to find that the humans discovered something crowley had created. even if we're not exactly sure the context of the work, it's clear that it's something meaningful to aziraphale and it was once meaningful for crowley - so for him to just brush it off so blatantly? oof
i love the details that you've poured into this little snippet too, everything from the mundane rituals of a morning routine like making a cup of tea and reading the newspaper to all of the various lamps that aziraphale has collected over the decades to really give us a sense of his character and his taste. i did get a good chuckle out of crowley being asleep and aziraphale not knowing what a comfortable sleeping position was - and the juxaposition of crowley sleeping for days and him not sleeping for years
and okay, clearly azriaphale is starting to feel something - or has been feeling something - towards crowley, even if he hasn't let himself identify it and it makes me wonder if anything is - or has - come from it
your writing is a delight as always, friend
thanks for swapping <3
Author's Response:This one made me feel very sad to write! Canonically there is a time where both Crowley and Aziraphale are angels and are both so freaking happy and then Crowley falls and yeah...they don't talk about it...which is also why Crowley doesn't wanna talk about it here either. Which sucks because Aziraphale is trying to get them excited about it and yeah, Crowleh reacts all guarded and defensively because that is his way. Basically, these two have horrible communication in the show, and I'm just playing it up here lol. And your comment about how Azi feels about Crowley...well I do go into a bit more detail later on. And there are some cute, sweet moments. But yeah, mainly angst. :sweat smile:
Anyway, thank you so much for taking the time to write!
Courtney
Hi, Courtney, my dear! Here for our swap! <3
I thought I'd check out this, since I was curious about your dig into the Good Omens fandom :) I can't say I'm super familiar with it, but I did watch the show and enjoyed it a lot, so I'm excited to explore some fanfic now! :D
And this surely did not disappoint! (I mean, I always love your writing, so there was no risk :P) I could absolutely picture everything happening exactly the way you described, I think you captured Crowley's thought process and his and Aziraphale's dynamic just perfectly here! <3
Urgh, I can sympathize with Crowley's rage here... using paedophilia to justify homophobia is just vicious and totally baseless and unfair... poor Crowley, so many unpleasant memories... but at least he found his own way to rebel back then, loved it! :P
Of course his first reaction would be jump into his car and drive. Hard and fast. To the point of near destruction. And of course he would end up in front of Aziraphale's bookstore! (At the corner of Greek Street... that was a stoke of genius on your part, honestly!) :P
Okay, I absolutely adore how you used the caught in the rain prompt! I can totally imagine Aziraphale standing there concerned and Crowley just staring at him disbelieving, getting annoyed at him for not getting annoyed that he's ruining his coat, not wanting to open up because he doesn't want to bother Aziraphale with his bad mood and ruin his peace... ouch, it's actually so painful if you think about it, because it shows that Crowley doesn't think he deserves Aziraphale's concern and attention, and he just can't understand why Aziraphale would put himself in the slightest discomfort for him... and it's so sad, but also sort of relatable, you know? And also, it's so painful because there are so many feelings they are both keeping bottled up and it's just so evident in this little scene here... it's just brilliant how you did it! <3
I'm not sure if any of this review makes sense, or if it does this chapter any justice, but brilliant work as always, my dear! <3 Thank you so much for swapping with me and giving me an excuse to stop by your AP again! <3 <3 <3
Big snowball hug,
Chiara
Author's Response:Chiara, hi! Thank you for stopping by to check out my first forray into the GO fandom! And honestly, you don't need anymore knowledge than the show for the important moments that happen in this story :) I thought it would be interesting to include some lesser known parts of history that Crowley and/or Aziraphale have ventured through...Ancient Greece was one I thought might be intriguing. And it also kind of serves as a set up to all the twisty internalized homophobia both of them (mostly Az though) carries.
"...it shows that Crowley doesn't think he deserves Aziraphale's concern and attention, and he just can't understand why Aziraphale would put himself in the slightest discomfort for him... and it's so sad, but also sort of relatable, you know?"
^ YES OMG! He doesn't want to bother him, but also he knows that Aziraphale is complacent about certain things, and this is one part of history he cannot change, though he might be able to change the present day minds, but that is beside the point. And yes, they both are just crap communicators and they keep so many feelings inside.
Anyway, thank you so much for this review and the swap opportunity!
<3 Courtney
hi courtney! here for some tag ♥
so i'll admit that i've never read or watched good omens, so i'm going in kind of blind, but something i love about your writing is that it never seems to matter. you have such a way of capturing these different characters, and crowley and aziraphale are no exception. you can feel the weight that's carrying down on crowley from the very beginnings of this chapter, and that's what propells him to go to the bookshop
something i love about this is how grey it is, and how crowley's not really sure why he ends up there - it's like there's an invisible string tying him to aziraphale and he knows that potentially seeing him would make him feel better, even if they don't talk about what's bothering him. and i love that aziraphale comes out to the rain immediately to check on crowley - clearly knowing him well enough to know that something's not exactly right. this scene is somehow so quiet but a lot of it is said between the lines - i'm not sure if that makes sense, but i really loved the sort of deeper meaning to it even without you explicitly saying it's there. like, it's clear these two have a connection, the bookshop is somewhere crowley feels safe, and aziraphale is someone that crowley depends on even if he doesn't fully register why
also, the imagery of the rain and driving down the street in the bentley with the music and everything was just :chefs kiss:
and nice job on the banner, friend!
great work with this as always :] looking forward to seeing where this goes, even though i know it'll probably break my heart ♥
Author's Response:Jill, hi! I am so pleased you feel this is readable fandom blind! :) Crowley and Aziraphale have such a wonderful friendship/relationship that has a lot of potential for more (but they suck at communicating lol)! I'm so glad you picked up on their connection right from the start. :)
Thank you so much for this review and for the swap opportunity! I so appreciate it!
<3 Courtney
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