Phale's Rare Books, Late Wednesday Night

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

Aziraphale is sitting quietly in one of the armchairs, drinking tea and reading. He wouldn't mind a spot of quiet company, if one were so inclined.


[He's a little angsty, over a couple of conversations that took place recently. He won't be giving very good advice, but you're welcome to come chat.]

Comments

[brambless.livejournal.com]

On her way home from a lovely evening at Michael and Ben's place, Tara sees Azra's light on, and knocks on the door.

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

A familiar voice calls from inside. "Do come in."

[brambless.livejournal.com]

Tara opens the door, calling softly, "Mr. Phale? I mean, Azra? I'm not disturbing you, am I?"

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

He smiles at Tara and shakes his head. "Not at all, my dear. Please come in.

And please, call me Aziraphale. Everyone else does."

[brambless.livejournal.com]

"Alright, Aziraphale then." Tara gives him a warm smile when she sees him. "You heard that Maia's better? I know we were going to wait until Parent's Weekend, but Dr. Wilson was nervous about... um, her stats, and she was so scared. I used the spell from one of your books. Um, you're not mad at me?"

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

"Yes, actually, I spoke with her briefly in the park." He frowns a bit. "She seemed quite tired.

And no, my dear, I'm not angry with you for helping your friend. I'm glad that it worked for you."

[brambless.livejournal.com]

"I met your friend," Tara smiles shyly. "Mr. Crowley? He's lovely."

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

This elicits a warm smile from Aziraphale. "I'm so glad you think so, my dear. He can be...difficult at times. Prickly. But, really, he isn't a bad sort."

[brambless.livejournal.com]

Laughing, Tara confides, "he tried to tell me he was evil. Reminds me of an old friend of mine - the sweetest heart, all covered with spikes. Like a porcupine."

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

"Oh, he is evil, my dear. He just isn't...bad." He smiles fondly, and his voice gets softer. "Just, don't tell him I said so. He's rather sensative about it. Came home all in a state over his conversation with you."

[brambless.livejournal.com]

Tara blushes. "A state? Um, what sort of state?"

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

"Oh, he was quite furious. Stormed about ranting about how you'd called him sweet, and wouldn't believe him when he tried to say otherwise." Aziraphale chuckles softly. "He's a bit upset that so many of the young ladies he's met here have been both strong willed and graceful."

[brambless.livejournal.com]

"I didn't mean to make him angry," Tara says, a little helplessly but looking somewhat relieved. "He, um... he said you two have been friends since the Beginning?"

[flash-serpent.livejournal.com]

[He comes up the stairs slowly, unsure what mad Aziraphle so very angry with him. Was it the seduction of Tara? The way he came down the stairs? Something Tara had told him? At the doorway he pauses]

What did I do, angel?

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

[Aziraphale appears to be tidying up the room, or possibly randomly picking things up and putting them down in other places. He doesn't answer immediately, and when he does his voice is very soft and even.]

Nothing, my dear. I'm just...a bit tired today. Shouldn't you be seeing to our your guest?

[flash-serpent.livejournal.com]

She can bugger off for all I care...you're angry. I can tell. It's so ugly on you.

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

[Aziraphale looks over his shoulder at Crowley.] In my shop, Crowley. In our--

He stops, and moves a small lamp from one side of the bureau to the other.

[flash-serpent.livejournal.com]

Aziraphale...stop. Are you angry because I was seducing the Witch in the shop? I was only having a spot of fun...

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

[He shakes his head.] This was different.

You're still angry with me about the keys, aren't you?

[flash-serpent.livejournal.com]

Well, a bit out out, yes. But not angry. It's not as if I actually need one. It's just the though I suppose.

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

[Aziraphale nods.] Yes, quite. It was thoughtless of me.

[flash-serpent.livejournal.com]

I was really just having a spot of fun with her. I wasn't going to do anything with her downfall, I just wanted to confuse her a bit. Complete dyke, that one. Thought it would be a laugh to make her...[looks past Aziraphale]...Did you put a key on my pillow?

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

[Not answering, he picks up a black silk pajama shirt from the floor and carefully folds it.]

[flash-serpent.livejournal.com]

Don't do that...angel...I told you you don't have to pick up after me. Angel. Aziraphale...[he grabs him by the arms]...don't do this. Wrath isn't for you.

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

[Startled, Aziraphale stops and looks at the demon.] I'm not angry. [very softly] I'm...hurt. And I'm sorry.