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?"

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

He shakes his head and smiles at Tara. "Don't be, my dear. He enjoys a good rant now and again. Sets him up properly.

Yes, since the very Beginning..."

[brambless.livejournal.com]

"He was really upset that you'd given me a key." Tara bites her lip. "Um, so I thought I should probably bring it back. Now that Maia's better, I mean. I don't want to cause trouble between the two of you."

[flash-serpent.livejournal.com]

[Stomping down the stairs, Crowley sees Tara and Phale]

My angel...and my darling Witch...in one room. I may have to kiss someone.

[He peeks over the top of his glasses and stares intently at Tara]

[brambless.livejournal.com]

Tara blushes furiously, and ducks her face to hide behind her hair. "Mr. Crowley. Um, hello."

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

Aziraphale sits very still, staring at the demon. After a moment he stands and, speaking very softly, says, "Let me get us some more tea."

He walks past Crowley and into the kitchen at the back of the shop.

[brambless.livejournal.com]

Tara freezes, certain she's done something wrong, but not entirely sure what.

"Um... should I go?"

[flash-serpent.livejournal.com]

[He watches his angel, and saunters over to Tara]

Tara, my darling, did you miss me?

[He extends his hand, leaving it up to her if she will ofer hers in return]

[brambless.livejournal.com]

Trembling a little, she takes his hand. Not because I want him to touch me again. Just because it would be rude not to.

She nods a little. "I did, actually. I've been... um, thinking about you." About what you said! The conversation! That's all!

[flash-serpent.livejournal.com]

[His hand is warm and soft, and tingles slightly when he takes her palm. He bends slowly as he raises her hand to his mouth. He kisses the backl of her hand gently, little shocks tearing through her body, ending only in her sex]

Enchante, my dear. So good to have you...thinking about me.

[brambless.livejournal.com]

Tara gasps, closing her eyes for a moment, rocking slightly on the balls of her feet.

"Shouldn't you, um... help with the tea? Mr. Phale looked... um... upset."

[flash-serpent.livejournal.com]

He'll be fine, love. Come...sit with me. Tell me of your day. I love to listen to your voice.

[His own vice is smooth and seductive. It may conjures a mental picture of a woman walking in velvet, or Crowley himself sliding along the side of her body]


((just in case you can't tell, he's doing his whole seduction thing. Bite the apple, you know you want to))

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

Aziraphale chooses this moment to enter the room, carrying a replenished tea tray. He looks at Tara, then sharply at Crowley, then sets the tray on the table.

With a small smile, he says to Tara, "If you'll excuse me, my dear. It's quite late. Perhaps we can talk again tomorrow."

He passes Crowley without looking at him, and goes up the stairs.