An angel, a demon, and a hotel room.

[sohoangel]

It is the first week of the New Year, and Aziraphale has made plans.

Technically they are Crowley's plans, but the angel is the one who is carrying them out. He's booked a room for a week in a luxury hotel along the southern coast of England, far enough from London that he won't be tempted by the siren call of his bookshop. (He's left it in Toby's capable hands for the week, and closed to the rest of the public.)

He booked the hotel the old-fashioned way, by calling up a travel agent and listing his preferences. It must have excellent room service, a full bar, a little area (preferably a balcony) for reading and having tea, and there must only be one bed. He couldn't stress that last part enough, much to the agent's obvious amusement. She ended up recommending a lovely, lavish suite often reserved by couples, which he eagerly accepted without further delay.

~*~

As everything was handled over the telephone, the suite is as much a surprise to Aziraphale as it must be to Crowley. "Oh, isn't it wonderful!" he exclaims when they walk into suite, their luggage already waiting for them in the entryway. "The decor reminds me of that time I traveled part of the Silk Road. Look, there's even a fireplace!" He moves further into the bedroom portion of the open-floor suite, making note of the large, round bed and --

Is that a mirror above the bed?

Blushing slightly, he continues on to the balcony entrance, a view of the beach awaiting him, as well as a complimentary bottle of champagne and platter of fruit dipped in chocolate. Crowley's insistence that they spend the week entirely in the hotel room comes back to him, and though he's almost entirely sure that the demon wasn't implying something... more... than their current, very comfortable level of intimacy, the thought that these romantic quarters are their ultimate destination has him a little excitable.

"So -- what, ah, what shall we do first now that you have me all to myself, dear boy?" Aziraphale smiles at him warmly. "This is your show, as they say."

Comments

[sohoangel]

Well, if that's not a compliment to turn the angel all warm and gooey inside like one of those molten chocolate cakes that he likes to get for dessert on occasion. Finally, now he understands why Crowley would want to spend a week alone with him with minimal interruption. He squeezes Crowley affectionately and lets himself be drawn into a kiss, taking it slow and tender.

This is familiar, comfortable territory for both of them, not that it makes it any less pleasurable. Feeling his partner's remaining tension, Aziraphale is extra gentle with his lips and tongue, respecting Crowley's boundaries. Not that it's ever a hardship for the angel. They could kiss like this forever and a day and he'd be thoroughly satisfied. If Crowley ever feels ready for something more, he'd be happy to try, but it's not necessary. It never has been.

They finally part when the only light in their suite comes from the fire as it is now truly evening. Which also means it's dinnertime, and Aziraphale suddenly finds himself rather peckish. Although that means getting out of this comfortable bed while Crowley is wrapped all around him. Dilemma! "We should probably put in an order for the kitchen now if we want to eat at a reasonable time," he says a touch reluctantly. "The menu's by the telephone."

[notasnake]

A 'reasonable time' for dinner really only means sometime before the kitchen closes for the night. But as the point of staying at a place like this is to try everything in its best form, Crowley will (reluctantly) relent to his partner's wishes for dinner. There is no way Hell or Heaven could make him move from his comfortable spot in bed with Aziraphale, though.

"Hang on." With a snap of his fingers, the demon miracles both the telephone and the restaurant menu onto the end table next to the bed. He reaches back for the menu first, shifting to pull Aziraphale in against his shoulder as he props the stylish book open against one of his knees. Seeing as they're on vacation and this place is so decadent in everything it's offered so far, Crowley can't help but grin down at his angel as he asks, "One or two starters tonight? We'll have to try them all to find a favorite, but we must leave room for dessert." He pauses for a few seconds, peeking at the last page of the menu, then adds, "I see three separate chocolate items to try back there."

[sohoangel]

Aziraphale smiles and wiggles in closer to Crowley once he has the menu in hand, gaze dropping to the menu demurely. It's no hardship for either of them to perform such a miracle, but there's something so touching about Crowley doting on him and taking care of it first so that they can continue to cuddle together in bed.

After looking over their options and doing a quick bit of math about the number of nights and the number of dishes (and taking into account any specials), Aziraphale replies, "Two starters should do us, I believe. And two entrees, but at least one should be the seared tuna, it's a specialty here." Crowley's remark on dessert gets a small, sly smile. "Well, at the risk of spoiling ourselves, perhaps we should try all three? It'd be a shame to learn that one of the chocolate dishes is our favorite on one of our last nights here."

[notasnake]

Of course he'd suggest picking a dessert only to have Aziraphale say they should have all of them. Crowley chuckles as he presses a kiss to the angel's temple, grinning as he settles in close. "I hope we have enough space for all of them," he jokes. As celestial beings they never actually get full, but there does come a point of being so satisfied that one doesn't want anything more. Though there may be a solution to that... "Perhaps we have them bring our food up in stages? Would give us time to enjoy everything at the correct temperature."

Either way, this is Crowley picking up the phone and dialing down to the kitchen to get them started. If his angel is feeling peckish, this demon is going to take care of him! How that works itself out can be worked out on the fly.

[sohoangel]

It is impossible for the angel to select only one dessert if there are decent alternative options. It is also true that Aziraphale does not enjoy being rushed through a meal, so the idea to stage the courses as it would be handled in the restaurant below is a brilliant one. "That's a clever plan, my dear, let's do that," he replies, after making a pleased little hum at the kiss.

The only downside he can think of is being interrupted repeatedly by a knocking on the door from hotel staff, but it is a small price to pay to enjoy their gourmet meal in the comfort of their own hotel room. Besides, they won't be caught in the middle of anything that they can't immediately make themselves presentable. At least not during dinner...

He gives Crowley a little room to pick up the phone, leaning back on the pillows and admiring his profile while he speaks to room service. Now this is reason alone for a week-long hotel stay. He watches Crowley, utterly smitten, and pulls him into a kiss once he's hung up the phone.

"Is it too soon to change in our pajamas?" he murmurs into his demon's lips. "There are complimentary robes in the closet."

[notasnake]

The man on the other end of the phone is quite pleasant, which makes Crowley's smooth ask about having their evening meal sent up in traditional courses all the easier. The request, he's told, isn't so uncommon, so after a little haggling over the timing, the demon settles on an hour for starters, an hour and a half for entrees, and a bottle of champagne to go with the desserts. Everything is decadent and assured to be delicious by the concierge, making Crowley extra generous in how long he holds the kiss his angel offers once the phone is hung up and miracle'd away.

"We're on vacation, angel. Nothing is too early or too late when you're on vacation." He chuckles and draws Aziraphale in for another kiss. "But if they're 'his and hers' robes, I'm vetoing them altogether, even if you would look lovely in pink." Gender isn't a construct that applies to either of them, but it's the principle of the matter that bothers him about it.

But... robes mean getting up. And letting go of one another. This makes the idea of getting into pajamas a difficult one to actually do.

He sighs and kisses Aziraphale again, trying to sate himself a little before they get out of bed. "We have a little time until our starters arrive, but we should... probably get up now if we're going to change before we eat." Ugh. So. Much. Effort.

[sohoangel]

"It's my first vacation in over six thousand years," he protests with a smile, lightly dazed from that wonderfully generous kiss. "I'm still learning." There were certainly long stretches of time on Earth that Aziraphale was left to his own devices, but he was always on the clock, so to speak. This really is the first time he's left with nothing to do but bask in the affections of his beloved demon.

Relief laps over him like the pull of a gentle ocean wave. Had he really worried about filling a week like this, or of either of them growing bored?

He blushes prettily at the compliment, demonstrating quite nicely how pink is a good color on him. "I think they're both white," he says with some amusement. "If you can handle that." He returns the kiss, giving Crowley a little squeeze before untangling himself from their cuddle. "Come on, then," he says, patting Crowley's flank. "The sooner we change, the sooner we can get back to our pre-dinner cuddle."

Aziraphale meanders to the hall closet, where he retrieves a pristine white robe and their luggage. He didn't pack much as there really isn't much one needs if one intends on never leaving one's hotel room. Not even books, as he brought the tablet Crowley gifted him for Christmas, instead. He pulls out his cream-colored pajamas and then with a snap, is wearing them, his usual clothes put away in the closet.

"Oh, this robe is very plush," he says happily, running his hands over the fabric. He slips into it, tying it about the waist. The hotel's logo is embroidered in gold thread on the pockets. "I could certainly get used to this."

[notasnake]

Crowley's still worried, somewhere in his mind, about how to fill all of their time when they're not eating, drinking, kissing, or enjoying the view from the balcony together. There's still a lot of time to account for when the demon's not snoozing and even that's... going to be awkward enough as it is for Crowley with nothing to distract his angel but a tablet full of books. He's trying very hard not to think about it as they get out of bed.

His own pajamas are less understated than Aziraphale's. Black satin with red accents, loose enough to be comfortable in bed but still cut enough to show off his slim figure. The demon snaps his fingers to put them on and then tugs on a pair of sunglasses as well. No need to frighten the hotel staff when they stop in with their first course.

The robe is very... white for Crowley's taste, but it's soft enough for him to overlook that. For now, at least. He pulls it over his shoulders, leaving it open as he stretches his arms and finds their length a little lacking for him. "Might need to fix mine up a bit," he notes with a raised eyebrow. "Doesn't need to be any longer, but my wrists are going to get very cold if we wear these out on the balcony in the morning."

[sohoangel]

There is also the large air-jetted tub in the room, which Aziraphale has glanced at curiously a couple of times, but that would probably cause a small heart attack in Crowley if he brought it up so quickly after their difficult conversation. Fortunately, there is a three-course meal awaiting them, with plenty of time for each course, which should keep the angel occupied for quite a while.

Aziraphale catches himself staring at Crowley once he's put on his pajamas. He's seen Crowley in them plenty of times before, but Crowley just looks so good in them, it gives him a little shiver of pleasure every time. The satin also feels very nice under his fingers, and he can't help but reach out and brush his fingers along Crowley's sleeve after he changes. It's a little sad to see the sunglasses back on, but needs must. Hopefully they'll come off again once dinner is over, or even between courses.

Just between Aziraphale and... well, himself... he thinks Crowley looks rather fetching in a white dinner jacket. The robe, however, looks a bit silly, especially with its sleeves too short. "Oh, dear," he says, clucking his tongue. "No, that won't do at all. Let me see if I can remedy the situation for you."

He heads over to the phone and calls down to the front desk. "Yes, hello, I was wondering if you could have someone bring up a different robe for our room? One with longer sleeves, and in black, if you please... only in white? Oh, I'm sure you must have one somewhere, if you could be so kind to check..." He sends Crowley a wink. "Oh, you do? That's wonderful. Yes, much obliged, feel free to send it up with the starters were ordered, thank you."

Hanging up the phone, he smiles at Crowley and sits down on one of the low chairs, picking up his abandoned wine glass. No cold wrists for his beloved demon on his watch!

The wine and additional cuddles keep them busy until the starters and (black, with long enough sleeves) robe arrives. All the starters all lovely, although Aziraphale is particularly enamored with the watercress soup, flavors especially delicate on his tongue. He treats his main dish with similar gusto, and despite savoring every bite (and a few from Crowley's plate), time passes anyway, and soon enough it's time for dessert.

Aziraphale sighs, examining his three options. He settles for his first bite to be of the chocolate cake with dark chocolate ganache and raspberry filling, and it does not disappoint. He's been making pleased sounds all throughout his meal, but the soft moan that leaves him while he swallows is borderline indecent. "Oh, my dear, you have to try this. I know I've said that with every dish, but I really mean it this time." He forks another bite, careful to get all the flavors on the tine, and raises it to Crowley. "Here."

[notasnake]

His angel never fails to get him exactly what he needs. Crowley smirks at Aziraphale as the angel miracles him a robe while on the phone with the front desk and contents himself with wrapping his arms around his partner (under his robe, for extra warmth) until his own robe arrives with the starters. It's perfect, as he assumed it would be, but it's nice to have something so comfortable to wear around the room for the next week.

The food is also excellent, both in unique flavors and in the distraction it offers. Crowley tries a few bites of everything, savoring each of them as they work their through both starters and entrees. By the time the desserts arrive, Crowley's ready for the rich decadence the mere sight of the chocolate dishes offer. Setting aside his sunglasses, he watches Aziraphale get started on the cake as he settles closer to the angel. From what he's hearing, the demon's sure things are only going to get better as they try their way through the last of tonight's offerings.

"I trust your palate, angel." He smiles and wraps an arm around Aziraphale as he leans over to try the cake. It's as amazing as promised. Crowley closes his eyes and exhales a heady sigh as the flavors play out over his tongue, and finds himself eager for the next bite before he's even finished the first. When he opens his eyes again, he has a bright, playful grin for his angel.

"I think we need to try a bite of everything else before we're allowed to go back to that one," he jokes. "Let's see if the others holds up to this one, eh?" Shifting a bit, he takes up a spoon with his free hand and helps himself to a small helping of the chocolate mousse next. While not as decadent as the cake, it's definitely delicious and earns a pleased hum from the demon. He takes up another small spoonful to offer to the angel when he's finished licking the spoon clean (a necessary thing, surely), then turns his gaze to the small plate containing three unique chocolate truffles.

"Hmm." Crowley cocks an eyebrow at the truffles briefly before meeting Aziraphale's gaze. "They're not labeled, so I suppose we should... just give them a try as we please?" He honestly can't remember what they're supposed to be so long after they ordered, but he's certain they're at least as good as the rest of the desserts have been.

[sohoangel]

Crowley's arms wrapped around him underneath his robe is such a warm, intimate gesture that he nearly regrets fetching Crowley a new robe. But then he sees how charming Crowley looks in one that fits properly and in his signature colors (the hotel logo stitched in red, naturally), and decides that it was the right choice, after all. Besides, Crowley is so quick to fuss over him, he likes to return the favor whenever he can.

"You should trust my palate, dear, I've been refining it for several thousand years." He grins, but he's flattered by the comment, too. Then he forgets about food entirely as he watches Crowley enjoy that bite of cake, captivated by the expression on his face and the sigh that escapes his lips. With his sunglasses off, Aziraphale can see how much Crowley truly enjoys the bite of cake, and the angel can't help but wiggle a bit triumphantly over the selection.

And then... oh, goodness, the way Crowley licks that spoon is terribly distracting. It's almost an afterthought, the way Aziraphale accepts that bite of mousse, but then he needs to shut his eyes and savor the creaminess of the second dessert. This is truly a vacation, indulging in decadent confections while snuggled against the side of his demon. Even at the Ritz, they can't get this cozy. How will he ever go back to dining at a restaurant?

"Hmm?" He looks over the truffles with a furrowed brow. He doesn't remember what flavors they are, either. "Let's start with the lightest truffle -- wait, hold on." He refills his and Crowley's glasses, then settles back in, plucking up the chocolate and holding it up to Crowley's lips. "Here, you do the honors."

[notasnake]

Crowley's not certain why his angel is so distracted before accepting his bite of mousse, but that appreciation when he finally tries it is worth the wait. It's nice to know his own palate has become fairly refined over the years, even if only as an ancillary to Azriraphale's (and likely only with desserts, if he feels like being honest).

Earlier, he would have appreciated the refill of his glass. Right now it's more of an annoyance than anything. How dare the angel pull away when they're so comfortably wrapped up in one another?! But the thought doesn't last long as mere seconds after letting the cool air rush in between them, Aziraphale is back and a hint too warm against him. It's such a comfortable feeling, one that reminds him of the better parts of Hell (hellfire is rather cozy when one likes high heat), though current circumstances don't allow him to linger on the thought for long. There's chocolates to try and an angel to be kissed - what else could Crowley need right now?

Grinning wordlessly in answer to the invitation, the demon helps himself to a bite of the truffle. His lips brush against the angel's fingertips and, for a brief moment, he's far more interested in that particular sensation than he is in the decadent chocolate. In the end, he helps himself by closing his eyes and pressing his forehead to Aziraphale's so he can focus on the creamy mix of milk chocolate and french vanilla ganache rolling over his tongue. It works well enough to get the chocolate down, but as soon as it's done, the demon frees both his hands to lay them on either side of his angel's face to draw him into a suddenly very necessary kiss.

Something about this moment, about being pressed up against the angel and enjoying an intimate meal, makes it difficult for the demon to stay focused. All of his worries are still there, in the back of his mind, but somehow they feel... less? now that they're not talking about things. He doesn't feel like anything could go or be wrong now, which is perhaps why he helps himself to a few more kisses before he lets either of them breathe.

"Sorry," he murmurs when they part. Despite the apology, he smiles and brushes a thumb fondly over the angel's cheek. He's not really sorry and it's obvious. "Couldn't help myself. Did you still want to try the rest of the truffles?" Or is there an option that leads them back to kissing instead?

[sohoangel]

It is a little too warm for Aziraphale, too, but only in the best of ways. Crowley's kiss fans the flames, the sweetness of the lingering chocolate mixing with Crowley's particular scent that he's grown so used to that he stopped associating it with anything evil ages ago. Each kiss is returned openly, letting Crowley take the lead, as the demon seems to have a sudden need for it that Aziraphale is all too willing to meet.

When they part, he blinks in a soft daze, his gaze lingering on those lips that had just graced his. They kiss so often now, but there are many times when he's simply taken aback by the feelings it swirls up within him. That he's allowed to do this, that he likes this, that he craves even more.

"My dear," he murmurs huskily, "Never apologize for that." He puts down the uneaten half of his chocolate before reaching up and running both hands through Crowley's hair, keeping him close. "I think the truffles can wait," he adds as he pulls Crowley into another kiss.

Between Crowley and chocolate, there really is no contest.

[notasnake]

There's no space or need to answer the angel's unspoken request. If Aziraphale wants him close and to kiss him when they're wrapped up in each other like they are now, Crowley will always say yes. As such, he leans into the kiss pressed to his lips and draws himself closer to the angel as the first kiss draws out into a second.

Again the feeling of warmth the demon appreciates from moments like this washes over him as they kiss. Only this time it feels a little too warm as he begins to reach his arms under the angel's robe. Unlike before, the addition of his own robe makes this a rather uncomfortable affair. Rather than sacrifice the kisses, though, he simply takes the initiative to slip out of said robe the old fashioned way while they continue to press their lips together in ever deeper ways. It feels natural to do this, in a way that makes sense only in the most far-flung reaches of his mind that think about what trash has come out of the cinema over the past few decades. It's not actually romantic to nearly crush your partner's lips while you take off clothing and throw it Heaven knows where while your eyes are closed, and yet it... is? somehow? Crowley doesn't understand, but the part of his brain that would normally engage with thoughts like that is not available right now.

Torso now free of the lovingly procured robe, Crowley winds his arms about Aziraphale's waist to draw him as close as possible. This involves drawing the angel into his lap, but, again, any part of his brain that could be asked to slow down and think about what's going on is otherwise occupied. In particular, it's occupied with how exciting it is to be so close while no one is around to bother them and with absolutely no chance of being interrupted. No customers, no nosy vampires, no phone calls, no hotel staff. Just them and their passion for one another.

It's only after he realizes he hasn't really taken a breath in the past few minutes that the demon pulls back enough to rest his cheek against the angel's. He takes a moment to close his eyes as he breathes in the scent of his partner, his hands coming to rest on the angel's lower back. His fingers traverse a mix of pajama fabric and soft skin, and it makes him shiver with pleasure.

"This is nice." His words are more breathless whisper than spoken sentiment. He smiles to himself and brushes his nose against the hair above the angel's ear. "I could be content like this forever."

[sohoangel]

Curious as to what has Crowley twisting about in the midst of their kissing has Aziraphale sliding a hand from Crowley's hair and down to his collar. He barely has a chance to smile at what he discovers -- a disrobing (literally) demon -- before he's pulled into the demon's lap. Goodness! This is new. He doesn't get a chance to think more about it as Crowley is kissing him again most thoroughly, those clever hands sliding under his robe and touching him along the pale stripe of skin where his pajama top has ridden up.

This isn't technically any closer than when they lay in bed together, although something about Crowley sliding off his robe while sliding underneath his has his corporation reacting rather strongly, his heart racing unnecessarily and tingles all along the nerves of his skin. "Yes... v-very nice..." he breathes, trying not to give away how affected he is. The last thing he wants to do is make Crowley self-conscious. "My darling... you make me so very, very happy."

The hand on Crowley's collar slides down to gently trace his collarbone while Aziraphale turns his head, lovingly kissing Crowley's cheek. "Any time you want me like this, I'm all yours."

[notasnake]

"All mine." Crowley loves the sound of that. He leans into the touch to his neck and slips his hand further up the back of Aziraphale's pajamas to draw the angel closer. Satan, he could stay in this moment forever and never be unhappy. His angel is so soft in places Crowley never would have guessed, and discovering each new area has become his immediate goal. Not that his brain understands or is willing to process that thought completely, but it doesn't really matter.

Drawing on that deep feeling of contentment, the demon withdraws a hand from under the angel's clothes and turns his face with it. He stares deep into the angel's eyes, looking past the physical and into Aziraphale's very essence inside his corporation, his thumb and fingers delicately pulling themselves across and through soft skin and hair. Lingering here feels like a blissful eternity, one that stretches far beyond the mere seconds the clocks tick down, and Crowley is content to live in it until he simply can't help himself.

Tugging gently with both the arm about the angel's waist and the one at his cheek, he draws Aziraphale closer to him and into another set of passionate kisses. He doesn't know how to explain what he's looking for from this moment, but his actions speak volumes of words that he can't. His hold gets a little tighter, his tongue delves deeper as they kiss, and he moans his appreciation of the weight and warmth of the angel against him. All of this, every last detail, is something he craves from a place deeper than his bones and his whole body is screaming the truth of it.

He isn't sure when it happens, but at some point he lays himself back against the plush hotel bed, drawing the angel down over him. It's not much different than when they do this at home, but it also is, somehow. Crowley's still not one to mind or speak of it, though, because he's completely enraptured by having his partner in his arms like this. He'll happily ignore not being able to breathe in favor of everything that's happening now, whether it stays like this or becomes something... more.

[sohoangel]

Aziraphale is not sure where this bolder level of exploration is coming from, but he won't say no to the feel of Crowley's hands on his bare skin, or the way he's pulled even closer. He continues to lightly touch Crowley's collarbone while he meets the demon's enraptured gaze. Although Crowley has had his sunglasses off more often these days in the privacy of their flat above the bookshop, Aziraphale never misses a chance to look into them without the barrier of glass between them.

It's a struggle, though, to keep his eyes open when Crowley runs his fingers across his cheek and up into his hair. The temptation to shut them and turn his head into the touch like a fuzzy cat is very strong. Thank goodness they go back to kissing and he can concentrate on that instead.

And, oh, there is plenty to concentrate on. Crowley's clever tongue, the press of him against the angel's plusher frame, that moan! Aziraphale had assumed for so long that he wasn't meant for this sort of physical affection, but every time he and Crowley come together like this, it reminds him that his assumption was way off-base. All this time, it was merely about being with the right person. When it comes to Crowley, he is more than happy to explore these newfound sensations.

When Crowley pulls him down, he awkwardly pushes off his bathrobe, sending it to the floor with uncharacteristic carelessness. "Better," he murmurs, half to himself, before being pulled into another round of kisses. As much as he's enjoying himself, he still lets Crowley set the pace. The moment feels rather like they're on the cusp of something, and he doesn't want to tip the balance. Just as Crowley patiently waited for Aziraphale to come to his side, he can do the same for Crowley.

[notasnake]

The utterance of even a single word breaks Crowley's concentration. He pauses them for a breath, his hands coming to rest on either side of the angel's neck to keep grounded. He pulls Aziraphale close enough to touch their foreheads together and takes the time to let his brain catch up to his body. There's a lot happening that he's avoided letting himself think about and now that they've hesitated, even for this brief moment, it's all rushing to catch up to him.

"Is this...?" The demon pauses to lick his lips, his eyes flicking open to look up at the angel. "Are we good?" There's never been an issues between them about the distance they've gone in moments like this, but this feels different than when they're at home. All their normal worries are gone and what's left is only them. It's a lot to take in, much less process. "It's not... I'm... not too much... right?"

He can't be, surely, but this isn't a time for him to guess about anything. He needs this to be right for them, for everything to go smoothly. They've struggled enough in their lives that the last thing Crowley wants is for them to have to deal with more upset as they try things no two angels or demons have ever done together. They're the first of their kind and he wants to be damn sure things work as they figure this out together.

[sohoangel]

Aziraphale lets himself be held, forehead to forehead, his eyes wide but patient, wondering what the hesitation in Crowley's face could mean. When he finally speaks, the angel's expression softens even further. "Oh, my darling... no, you're not too much, not at all."

Has he not been clear enough, how very much he enjoys lying on top of Crowley and kissing the breath out of him while Crowley's hands tease at his skin? He's tempted to kiss Crowley again as a way to make that abundantly clear, but the more reasonable side of him pauses. Crowley asked for reassurance in words, perhaps he should use more of them.

He slides off to the side, still curled up around Crowley but not looming over him while he speaks. "Everything we've done so far, it's brought me nothing but pleasure. I've no reason to assume that I won't continue enjoying whatever we get up to. I promise you, if there's something that's too much for me, I'll tell you." He brings a hand up and runs it through Crowley's hair. "Will you promise me you'll do the same?"

[notasnake]

The excess or lack of clarity doesn't make any real difference to Crowley. A seed of doubt remains in mind, already sprouted from thousands of years of conditioning, that reminds him often that he's not made for this. Once he was made for and of love - God's love, no less - but as a fallen angel, he's been told that was stripped away from him. Their redirecting of the world that led to the cancellation of Armageddon started him on the path that led to this moment, this hotel, with Aziraphale, but that doubt is still there.

He takes a breath as he wrestles with the competing forces in his mind and exhales it as his angel curls into his side. Wherever this might have been going before his brain got involved has been officially derailed. There's time, he reminds himself, to try again later, but for what, exactly, he still doesn't know.

Satan, being a demon really sucks some days. Today is one of them.

"Yeah. Yeah, of course." Crowley reaches up to place a hand over the one in his hair, holding the angel's palm against this skull. He needs to keep feeling Aziraphale here with him like this right now to make this feel more like the intimate moment it is than the disaster his brain keeps telling him it should currently be. "Everything's been good today. Food, champagne, this... with you..." A small sigh as he leans into the angel's palm. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Now or ever."

[sohoangel]

The mood has shifted, Aziraphale can tell, but he doesn't mind, so long as Crowley is still with him. "My sentiments exactly," he says before leaning in and placing a gentle kiss to each of Crowley's cheeks, then his lips. The heat and urgency are gone, but the kisses are no less loving because of it.

With his hand held in Crowley's hair, he scratches lightly at the scalp, seeking out all the spots that he know will make the demon positively melt. "I have an idea for how we can spend the rest of the night," he murmurs with a pleased little smile on his face. "It involves you cuddled up to me just like this while I read from the tablet you so thoughtfully gifted to this past Christmas. How does that sound?"

It's not all that different from what they do at home, but it's one of Aziraphale's favorite activities, and he's not about to pass up a chance to do it here, too. It's also what he hopes is reassurance to his beloved that he intends to keep on loving Crowley as he always has been, no matter how many awkward conversations they end up having about their relationship moving forward.

[notasnake]

Crowley's grateful that he doesn't have to be the one to ask for a break from the passion they've been sharing. He loves Aziraphale more in this moment for this simple act than he could reasonably explain. He exhales a pent up breath and nods, releasing his angel's hand so he can wrap his arm around his partner instead. It helps to be this close when everything is so tangled up inside of him.

"Sounds wonderful," he agrees, resting his cheek against Aziraphale's chest. "We can order in breakfast when we're both up?"

It feels so awkward to break from everything they've been doing to go to tuck in for the night so suddenly, but Crowley's not sure what else to do. His partner gave him and out and he wants it. They've talked their way through a lot today, but he's not ready to go further than he already has. No matter what he wants - what they both want - his mind isn't where he needs it to be for his heart, and body, to get the better of him. They can try again after some sleep and distance from this awkward break from everything they've been enjoying.

It's the best he can give his angel.

"Keep me warm, angel?" he murmurs as he presses himself to the angel's soft form. It's a small joke between them, a ritual he needs to indulge in, as they prepare for the demon to pass out. "You're much better than any fireplace."

He won't get much sleep tonight - not good sleep, at least - but he'll still get what he needs from a night of rest. It might not be enough to help him over his awkwardness about their intimacy, but it can really only help at this point. Anything that isn't staring down a problem he doesn't know how to overcome can only help him now. He only hopes it helps soon enough for Aziraphale.

[sohoangel]

"Of course, my dearest." Aziraphale threads his fingers through Crowley's hair while the demon resettles. It'd be inaccurate to say that his offer to read in bed was based wholly on intuition, although he does know his partner extremely well. There's a learning curve to physical relationships, one that is either glossed over or left out entirely in most of the romances that Aziraphale has read. He'll have to give a special blessing to Madame Tracy when they return from their vacation for those books she recommended, the ones that go into painstaking detail about sex and relationships. Maybe he'll even send a blessing to the authors. Humans are so incredibly clever and compassionate at times.

The point of it is that he'll give Crowley that out whenever he needs it. Aziraphale is in no rush, just the fact that they can lie together like this makes him feel so happy and safe. "I'll keep you warm all through the night," he promises, grabbing at the duvet with his free hand pulling it up over them both. "No sneaking off for a midnight snack, I promise."

And with that, he snaps his fingers, turning off the lights and bringing the gifted tablet to his lap. The soft glow of the screen and the background crackle of the fireplace are more than enough light to read by. "Would you like me to read aloud to you?" he asks Crowley, brushing back his messy bangs. "Or will that keep you up?"

[notasnake]

It's helpful to hear those reassurances from his angel. No matter when he wakes or how terribly he sleeps, Aziraphale will be there for him, a comforting and warm presence while he struggles with thoughts he'd rather not have. It's more than any demon should be allowed and he's beyond grateful to have it now.

"Not at all," he assures his partner. He curls tighter around the angel beneath the duvet, closing his eyes as he settles in as comfortably as he can. "Read me something nice? Your favorite story, maybe?" In truth it doesn't matter what the angel reads right now; It's his voice that matters. Crowley could sleep soundly for days listening to the soothing tones of his partner's voice. He won't, of course, but even a single night may help calm him to the place he needs to be to let go and simply enjoy where they are.

"Thank you, angel." For being here and being yourself, he thinks. The demon presses a small kiss to Aziraphale's clothed chest before settling again. "I'm ready when you are."

[sohoangel]

In light of Crowley's insecurities, Aziraphale understands much better their initial text conversation on the matter. He wouldn't dream of leaving the demon's side while he sleeps, not for anything. He wants to be there when Crowley opens those beautiful yellow eyes so that he can smile down at them in greeting or comfort, depending on how much time has passed.

"My favorite? Oh, goodness, how am I supposed to choose?" He chuckles and runs a finger along the screen, scrolling through his options. "Especially when you've loaded what feels like an entire library onto this one little tablet for me."

The angel feels his heart clench underneath Crowley's kiss, overflowing with affection for his demon. He runs his fingers through Crowley's hair as he finally makes a selection, the glow of the screen illuminating his face. "Well, I would call this one a more recent favorite of mine, but considering that it was initially a bedtime story, I think it's rather fitting." He clears his throat and begins to read, voice quiet and even:

"'In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort.'"