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[blessedarethebookmakers]

[he has done this a few times by now, and for some reason is feeling less than enthusiastic about it. Perhaps it's the rain, or the ghosts outside that give him cold chills whenever they go past. Or perhaps he's just tired. He's been practicing more lately, though hasn't seem to have gotten much better.

He somehow manages to keep his expression friendly and open as he faces the mirror, white wings standing out against the gray light coming in behind him]

Hello... My name is Aziraphale, or Mr. Fell, if you prefer. I would like to welcome everyone who has newly arrived-- and I don't envy you having to brave the beastly weather to get here. Still, the clouds will soon part as they say.

I know that many of you must be weary or frightened, or even dare I say, angry, at the situation you have found yourselves thrust into. But if we all work together and combine our efforts and talents, I'm sure that we'll have the Corrosion beaten back in no time. So keep a stiff upper lip and keep moving forward.

And of course, if you need anything, my door is open in the hours listed or by previous appointment.

Comments

[serpentinthegarden]

[ Far too early in the morning, Crowley stumbled out of the bedroom with his eyes still have closed hot on the search for coffee but he found something much more important. ]

Aziraphale?

[ He blinked the sleep from his eyes, making sure to touch the angel's shoulder just in case this was still a dream. ]

You're back?

[blessedarethebookmakers]

Mm. I am. [a faint smile and he touches Crowley's hand briefly before getting back to work. Then with another glance at Crowley, snaps his fingers and there's a sputtering from the direction of the kitchen]

Coffee is brewing, dear.

[serpentinthegarden]

[ Oh yeah, coffee was good, he liked coffee... The kitchen was looked at but then entirely ignored. ] Are you alright?

[blessedarethebookmakers]

[he sighed a little]

Not as good as I ought to be. But yes, I suppose so. [he looked up at him] How are you?

[serpentinthegarden]

Me, yeah fine, whatever... [ He was staring, which he often did, but with a new sense of awe. ] What happened?

[blessedarethebookmakers]

Mm. Got bored of the atmosphere. [he returned to his ledger] But drafty in that castle and of course you weren't there. Hardly worth the trouble of staying.

[serpentinthegarden]

Not at the castle!

[ Crowley barked as the angel turned away from him. ]

The other night with the flashy halo, disco ball wings and the fatalistic attitude towards humans. Did someone one hurt you, cause if they did...

[ Mouse time! A little vengeance in the morning was better than coffee. ]

[blessedarethebookmakers]

Oh hush. No one did. It's just frustrating. [he clicked his tongue.] You're going to make this quite impossible. Here. [he tugged Crowley down into his lap, arranging things so he could still work while not looking directly at him]

I was being absolutely ridiculous and more than a little hypocritical, blaming humans for my short comings. If they want to be irritable, it's their prerogative. It's up to me to remain above it and untouched by the vagaries of their emotions or words.

And well, if they hit you... [he let out a breath] Do try not to let that happen, dear. It makes me a touch piqued.

[serpentinthegarden]

[ Now if this was meant to be a distraction being tucked into the angel's lap was a good deal more convincing than the last two attempts had been. He wasn't going to be snuggled into submission, he would sit here and enjoy it, but he wouldn't give in. ]

You can't! You are surrounded by humans all the time, you can't help but be draw into their problems.

[ The less said about being struck the better... ]

Talk to me, angel. You've never let them get to you like that before.

[blessedarethebookmakers]

I lived 6,000 years without being so. I just-- have gotten too lackadaisical here, that's all. Well, and I need to be more of an angel in general. Less indulgences, more work. I am here for their benefit, not mine.

[he shifted the pen to his other hand so he could fit the first around Crowley's waist and briefly kissed his shoulder]

How did you manage to get hit anyway?

[serpentinthegarden]

You've lived 6,000 years without nearly condemning all humanity to lose God's grace too. I thought you liked humans? Not in your space but... you like their books, the food...

[ The kiss was accepted with a small sigh, maybe he could be a little distracted. ]

That? Met some one at the new arrival party who was in need of a change of clothes, sewer worker I think... anyway, the magic I used must have surprised him or the whole demon thing. Not sure, we didn't really talk after that.

[ Basically it was a good deed gone wrong. Story of his life. ]

[blessedarethebookmakers]

That was horrible of me. [his face stung] I am surprised I didn't Fall right then. I probably should have. [he said it casually but his feathers bristled a little at the thought]

I do like them in general. I believe in their goodness and their compassion and so on and so forth. I am sure the Almighty sees something worthy in them she never saw in us. And that's fine. Its good. [he kissed Crowley then, lightly, since he knew this kind of talk irritated him]

And maybe all of this is a terrible idea and an unforgivable sin, but you are the one person who makes any of this worth doing here. And they hurt you. Look, you did a good thing and apparently his first thought was to lash out. [he thumbed the spot where the bruise had been and kissed it]

But I'm proud of you for doing it anyway. Thank you, Crowley.

[if anyone was going to do good around here, it would be Crowley. But he would still do his best. Surely some good would come of it. But even if it didn't, he had no one to blame but himself]

[serpentinthegarden]

[ That sort of talk did bother him. He hadn't enjoyed being tossed aside like he was worth less or being reminded of that at last night's failed party in the other terrible incident that had happened during that very bad evening. The one he hadn't bothered to tell anyone about, his confrontation with Hel.
It was annoying enough to snarl about even if he did have to do so between kisses. ]

You aren't going to Fall! And you aren't a bad angel!

[ That sort of thinking just couldn't be tolerated after last night. ]

You're just you... not good, not bad...

[ The angel's cheek was nuzzled into for a kiss. All of this was complete blaspheme but wasn't it true? ]

You are driving yourself too hard. Didn't we decide that Heaven and Hell couldn't touch us here? So what are you so worried about? If the humans don't want your help let them sort it out for themselves!

It's what I should have done last night. They don't need us.

[ He ran his fingers through the angel's wing to soften the blow of those words. Hopefully they wouldn't come as a total shock. ]

With no Heaven and no Hell we're retired. We should be working for our side not theirs.

[blessedarethebookmakers]

[he shivered at the fingers through his feathers. His wings relaxed without him, fluffing a little as he let the pen go to tug the demon closer]

The Almighty is everywhere, Crowley.

[even if she was completely hands off these days it seemed.]

And we can't completely retire. We must help fight the Corrosion for our own peace of mind. [because he knew he couldn't sit still and let everyone fight around him. He was sure it would get to Crowley eventually too.

But there was something growing in his mind. A thought slowly blossoming and he put his fingers to Crowley's lips so he wouldn't interrupt]

You might be right... About the rest of it, I mean. [he thought] I mean, it is the Official way to handle humans. We have a seminar every century or so. Well I've managed to weasel out of the last two and thank Heaven they never asked me to speak. [he frowned] Though they jolly well should have.

Anyway, this way of dealing with humans is fine if it's going to be temporary. Most angels either don't interact so directly with mankind. If they do, it's rarely much longer than a week and even then it's in the capacity of a wise and mysterious guide. [he wiggled his fingers at the 'mysterious' bit. On impulse he took Crowley's hand and brought it to his own lips, pressing his mouth lightly against those slender fingers]

But dealing with them too much...helping too much... Well they either become dependent or come to resent it. [he rolled his eyes and kissed the tips of Crowley's fingers and felt better]

And since I can't pull power from Heaven, it's almost as if I was meant to live as one of them. Of course, I can't live like a human obviously. I'm an angel. Even if I've lived among humans and admire their ingenuity, I certainly can't get into their mindset. I mean there's no other alternative than to act like me and to stop attempting to be the Savior of Mankind. We both saw what happened to him and they still don't appreciate it properly. Love one another seems to have translated too love only the people that believe the same things as you.

[he shook his head and kissed Crowley's palm, lingering there, drinking in the scent of drowsy demon]

So I can stop attempting to be nice and kind for a start. And completely stop with those absolutely silly let's get along and everyone will be alright speech. Leave it to someone who genuinely believes that or is better at faking it. Lydia perhaps. Or Eleanor.

[that decision alone was already a weight off his shoulders]

And no more catering to them either. I am here to guide them of course, but part of that guidance is letting them learn on their own-- and learn to deal with adverse personalities that they may not get on with but are forced into close quarters with. As well as finding peace with themselves without resulting to an inferiority complex.

[he pressed that hand to his cheek, kissing Crowley's thumb before looking into his beautiful eyes]

And of course I'll have to keep close eyes on at least one wiley serpent and see what trouble he gets into. May even be forced to distract him once in a while.

[a sly smile]

All that in mind, I am still feeling a bit irritated about you being hurt. I might have to be calmed with a kiss and some of those fabulous bon bons you stock before I find that human and give him the good old one two. [pout]

[serpentinthegarden]

[ Even if he disagreed with some of what the angel said he was hushed when those soft fingers pressed themselves to his lips. He was retired and done with all that nonsense, the humans didn't need him for anything but... these objections were not felt as strongly as he had made it sound. Part of him did wish She were still here and still looking out for them and he did know the corruption had to be fought against, but not at the cost of Aziraphale's soul. He didn't need to Fall to save anyone!

None of his protests seemed necessary as Aziraphale's self examination carried on. Crowley remained quiet then as the angel spoke, trying not to to interrupt by sighing too deeply as his fingers were kissed each in turn.

Yeah, he remembered that nasty scene with the cross. His eyebrows raised and he bobbed his head in silent agreement about that 'Savior of Mankind' business. It really hadn't worked out well for that young man and it cemented in his mind even firmer that Aziraphale didn't have to follow his example. Help the humans occasionally but don't lose yourself in the process. ]

Lydia or Eleanor would do fine at that. Eleanor already has... made a post the other day right after yours. She is a much better cheerleader than either you or I could be.

[ Once kissed his thumb traced over the lips that had touched it. He wasn't feeling particularly wily but he wouldn't say so. He wouldn't do a thing to make Aziraphale question this decision. Stepping back was exactly what the angel needed to do in order to protect his own soul. ]

I'll find some sort of trouble to get into if you don't. I may even have a few plans in the works.

[ Plans that were more like wishes at this point but he spoke of them as if they were a good deal more concrete. The wily demon in need of thwarting... who in this moment pressed himself closer and dared to capture an angel's lips with is own. ]

If it helps at all I doubt he will try that again.

[ He whispered the words between kisses. ]

Not unless he wants to spend more time as a rodent.

[ Crowley drew away, snapping one of those desired bonbons trays into being just out of the angel's reach. The demon could easily collect one of course, and tantalizingly dangle it between those delicate fingers far too near those holy lips. ]

[blessedarethebookmakers]

Mmm [He couldn't help but feel better. In fact, he was pleased as punch about most of this! Especially those lips on his-- and Crowley having a few plans in the works! Well! He couldn't help but be a little bit curious]

And what would those be? [this murmured as he leaned into another kiss, running his free hand against Crowley's chest and down, tracing the warmth of it under the silk. But then he laughed]

Oh, Crowley. You didn't! You horrible thing. That was very unkind of you. [but he was grinning] What kind?

And... since they're here now... I'd love a bon bon, if you would.

[serpentinthegarden]

[ As if it would be so easy to discover your diabolical demon was less than diabolical! A question like that was easily skirted! ]

Now if I told you what they were it would hardly be any challenge to thwart me would it?

[ He nipped at those lips, not actually biting but giving the impression he very easily could if he wanted to. ]

Gotta leave the field open for surprises.

[ The bonbon he had was held up... but Crowley ate it and gave his trapped angel the evilest of smiles. ]

I dunno which kind it was, the small mousey kind. Looked like one of those mice you might find in a pet shop running in a wheel.

[ A second bonbon was collected from the horde and this one was held out to the angel's lips. Take it, if you really want one. ]

[blessedarethebookmakers]

You wicked creature you. [but he is intrigued by the possibility. Wanting to find out. Wanting to upend him just a little. Like a game now. Like a challenge. He did so love surprises!

He leaned forward expectantly for the bon bon and pouted as it was filched. How dare--! He would get revenge for that.]

Mm pity you didn't leave him there until he learned some manners. We could have kept him by your plants. Fed him little sunflower seeds or what have you. [he leaned forward as if he was going to swipe it from his fingers with his mouth, and instead plucked it with his own fingers instead, popping it in his mouth and chewing happily.]

Mmm~ These are positively sinful, my dear.

[serpentinthegarden]

What do I want a pet mouse for, I'm much happier with a pet Angel.

[ Even if that Angel wouldn't play his Bonbon game. It was fun watching Aziraphale eat, enjoying each morsel of chocolate and filling like it was the very best bonbon he had ever had before. ]

They should be, I actually helped Chef put this batch together.

[blessedarethebookmakers]

Pet? [he raises his eyebrows and lifts Crowley's chin with a finger, canting it to the side as if examining him and then stroking that finger down his throat] I think you'd look far better with the collar, my dear. [and he kisses his throat gently]

Complements to you both then. I think I shall have another.

[serpentinthegarden]

[ Some how this was never the way he had pictured things turning out with the angel. In his mind it had always been the demon triumphantly conquering the divine but he couldn't stop himself from melting like butter under that warm touch. ]

Oh...

[ Unfortunately that did make him momentarily unintelligible...


It would match his demonic outfit better.


For a reward as sweet as a kiss he could fish around behind him for a second bonbon. It wasn't handed over though it was dangled like a carrot. ]

What are you willing to do for one?

[blessedarethebookmakers]

[the oh was intriguing, as well as a certain melting of the demon's physique. A lowered shoulder, the rounded curve of his spine. Aziraphale hadn't been entirely serious... But now it was certainly an interesting thought.

He smirked at the temptation, letting his fingers trail along Crowley's neck and throat.]

Oh, I'd be willing to do any number of wicked things. But you're going to give it to me just because I ask for it.

[serpentinthegarden]

[ Just because he asked? Disappointment registered as a faint pout and a sideways look at the angel's eyes as he knew he ought to fight against that... giving in too easily would make him vulnerable, betray too much, and all those other demonic sorts of pack minded thoughts that you didn't want to give into anything too easily as it could be used against you later. But those hands trailing down his neck were hotly distracting and that self satisfied smug smirk the angle was wearing was far preferable to that frighteningly Holy-than-humans anger of the other evening. His pout grew but the chocolate was handed over. ]

[blessedarethebookmakers]

[he frowned himself and didn't take it, instead kissing Crowley's neck in apology]

I was only teasing, darling. Don't look so glum. [another kiss. And since it's not really something they can recover from, he lifts Crowley's hand and lips the bonbon from his fingers as he ought, delicately sucking the sweetness off fingertips before holding Crowley close and enjoying it]

Hmmmm~ You know you're going to make quite an addict from me. [not talking about the sweets] I hope you're aware.

[serpentinthegarden]

[ Appeased he watched in calm fascination as each of his fingertips briefly graced the angel's tongue, but as he was pulled in tighter he chased after the bonbon, taking those chocolate tinged lips with his and savoring the heat of Aziraphale's mouth before snuggling down into the angel's neck like a good little pet demon. He was long and lanky but some how still managed to coil himself into a tight cozy ball. ]

The best things in life are addictive.