The Park, By the Duck Pond, Saturday Night

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

In keeping with something that's becoming a very comfortable habit, Aziraphale is sitting on his favorite bench in the park. He notices that the ducks seem to be somewhat less demanding of late, as thought they'd been getting fed more frequently, and the thought makes him smile.


((For CJ))

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[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

[She walks home after a long day of conferences. As she approaches the TARDIS, she sees Mr. Phale sitting on his bench. Smiling, she walks straight to him]

Mr. Phale? Would you mind some company?

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

[Aziraphale smiles as he looks up at CJ.] Not at all, my dear. I never mind company, especially that of a friend.

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

[Smiling, she sits next to him and slips an arm around his shoulders and leaning into a light hug]

I haven't seen you in a while. I've missed you.

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

[With a very pleased expression, Aziraphale pats her hand.]

Thank you, my dear. I've missed seeing you as well, but I do understand that you've been quite busy.

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

[She shrugs] Not really any more than normal. Today was hectic. Parents weekend. [sighs and looks toward the TARDIS] Did you see we have a new neighbor?

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

[In fact, Aziraphale had noticed the second TARDIS, and had spent a good part of the day wondering if a third and fourth were scheduled to appear. And if so, whether it wouldn't make the park dreadfully crowded.]

Yes, my dear, I had. Do you know who it might belong to?

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

Nine. Don't ask, I couldn't begin to explain it. He's the Doctor...the body before Ten. To quote my friend Josh, that worldview violates my sense of Zen.

I'm starting to believe ignorance really is bliss, Mr. Phale.

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

[After blinking several times as he attempts to reconcile this information, Azirphale can be heard to very softly speak a single word.]

Ineffable.

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

Ineffable, Mr. Phale? [She looks at him, confused]

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

[He smiles]

There are parts of the Plan that can't be understood, not by anyone. They simply have to be accepted.

I find it rather comforting, my dear, to occasionally encounter something Ineffable. It reminds me that He's in control.

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

That would be reassuring...if I didn't doubt myself so much.

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

[He gently lays his hand on her arm.]

Would you tell me what you're doubting so much?

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

I don't know, Mr. Phale. I doubt...so much. [she smiles] Maybe I'm so bothered by it because generally I don't second-guess myself, ever. I'm not the kind of person with self-esteem issues. But...

[she leans closer to him, ejoying the comfort of his touch]

Ten has told me a lot about himself, and I accepted it, because why would he lie? But I think I just didn't believe him until I met Nine. And I wasn't kind to him at all. And then I wonder...I don't know. I don't know what I mean.

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

[Deciding that CJ might need reassuring more than she needed advice, Aziraphale puts his arms around her.]

You're a bright and kind woman, my dear. I have no doubts that you'll find a way to understand this...and to accept what parts of it can't be understood.

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

Do you think so, Mr. Phale? After...that weekend, I just realized that there is so much that I never considered real...and it all happens here. I think I've gone entirely the other way, and now I don't question anything. I guess I doubt that there is a balance anymore.

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

Do you think it's wrong then, my dear, to believe in things that may not be real?

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

No. That's the essence of faith, isn't it?

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

Yes, it is. [He smiles] So then, why not believe what you like, what makes sense to you? After all, my dear, I've encountered things here that I hadn't believed in myself.

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

You sound like my old Priest. [smiles] Use what works and have faith that He will work the rest out for you.

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

That is His job, my dear. It is His plan, after all.

[Pleased to see her smiling again, he chuckles softly.] And that's very kind of you to say. Thank you.

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

You're welcome, Mr. Phale. I really appreciate that you talk to me about this. I've missed having someone to turn to. I mean, Mass..but really. Our Priest isn't someone I feel comfortable confessing to, you know?

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

[He nods, looking sympathetic.] Ah, yes. I've met the Father. He's a good man, but...he has his own devils to conquer.

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

Exactly...and that's just another example of my insecurities. My whole life the Church has been the Rock as it was intended. Here I feel like I need to be a lot more, um, self-sufficient. [she laughs]

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

Perhaps He feels that you're ready to be challenged, my dear. [He gives her a warm smile, one that says he believes she's up to it.]

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

[She smiles and raises one eyebrow, skeptical but amused] Ineffable?

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

Indeed, my dear. [He returns her smile, and slipping his hand into his coat pocket, pulls something and hands it to her.]

Butterscotch?

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

[She smiles broadly] Please! Mr. Phale...you are such a blessing. I'm so happy I came here and met you.

[She pops the candy into her mouth and closes her eyes, savoring it]

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

[A delighted expression appears on Aziraphale's face, and gives CJ a bright smile.]

Thank you so much, my dear. I'm just as pleased to have met you. [pauses] You and Ten must come and have tea with Crowley and myself.

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

[She rolls the candy into her cheek so she can talk]

Crowley? Who is Crowley?

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

Oh! He's an old friend of mine, my dear. I...suppose you haven't met him yet. He's come for a visit. [He beams at her.]

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

He makes you happy. THat's wonderful. I'd love to have tea with you and Crowley...and I'll accept for Ten as well. At your shop?

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

Yes, my dear. Whenever is convenient for the two of you. I'll be certain to mention it to Crowley.

[He lowers his voice slightly.] I should warn you, my dear, that Crowley can be...difficult. He has a very unusual sense of humor.

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

Oh, Mr. Phale...I'm sure I'll adore anyone who calls you an old friend.

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

Thank you, my dear. [He gives CJ another delighted smile.]

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

Mr. Phale...[she holds his hand, intertwining her fingers with is]...you are so welcome.

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

[With a pleased smile, Aziraphale watches the ducks paddle around the pond.]

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

[She watches the ducks in silence for a while, then leans against him and rests her head on his shoulder. Slowly, reluctantly, she eventually sits up and lets go of his hand]

Mr. Phale...I should get home. I really think I'd like to see Ten. See if he's all right. But we'll come for tea. Next week, ok?

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

Yes, I imagine you would want to speak with him. [He smiles] Next week will be lovely, my dear. Good night.

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

Good night Mr. Phale. Thank you for everything.