Azriphale's bookshop - [NFB: Locked to Phale, Crawley, Parker, Marty, and The Tick]

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

Parker pushed open the door to Phale's bookshop, and looked around. "I don't see him, but the door's open, so he must be here somewhere." She shivered, and took off her gloves, looking around for Crawley, and glad not to see him at the moment.

"Thank you for playing escort, Professor Tick. I really appreciate it."

Comments

[bugofjustice.livejournal.com]

"It's not a problem, Parker," Tick said as he entered the shop. "I'm always glad to help in any way I can!" There may have been a slightly grim tone in his otherwise cheerful voice.

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

She slowly unwinds her scarf as she looks around, trying to find the books she needs. "I'm sure Mr. Phale will give you tea and cookies for your trouble, when he gets here. I'm just glad, because... well, you know." She lets out a slow breath. "I almost wish Alanna hadn't told me."

[bugofjustice.livejournal.com]

"I wish there wasn't anything to tell at all." Tick still stood by the door, ready for anyone or anything to come in.

"I needed to pick up some books from Mr. Phale anyway, so it's.." He almost said something about two birds and a stone, but refrained. "... pretty convenient for me."

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

Grabbing a huge tome and a handful of smaller books, Parker settled into one of the big armchairs. "I just wish..." She studied the book in her hand. "I didn't know Kitty. I barely spoke to her. It feels like... there should be more to say." She looked up suddenly, and cocked her head. "You knew her, didn't you? I'm sorry. I didn't even think."

[bugofjustice.livejournal.com]

"It's okay. She was in my class. She only joined a few weeks ago, but she was a great student. Very bright. Very dedicated to Doing Good Things. She had a real air of Destiny around her." Tick finally moved away from the door and took a seat.

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

"Doing Good Things. Destiny." Parker shook her head. "Not concepts I can relate to, most of the time. But I admire them." She tries to smile. "I hear good things about your class. Maybe I'll take it next semester, try to learn something."

[flash-serpent.livejournal.com]

[Walking down from upstairs, his shining snakeskin shoes appear first. A finely tailored black suit, black silk shirt and red tie follow. Finally his face comes into view. He wears dark sunglasses and has an unlit cigarette between his lips]

What's this now? Guests? Ah, Miss Parker and Mr. Tick. So good of you to come.

[oatmanspatient.livejournal.com]

Marty enters the shop looking exhausted and pretty glum. He looks over at the Tick and Parker and the image is enough to bring a slight smile to his face.

"Hey."

[oatmanspatient.livejournal.com]

After greeting Tick and Parker, Marty sees Crowley walk in.

"Hello Crowley," he says with a watchful eye.

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

"Hey," Parker replied, equally subdued. "Glad you could make it. I was just starting in on the," she squints at the book in her hand, "Chronicles of Vampyr Hunters of the 19th Century. I'm sure it's going to be riveting."

[flash-serpent.livejournal.com]

Marty, my pet. How are...ooh, you're a bad boy tonight. [He pulls the cigarette from between his lips and smiles wide and cold]

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

Parker rose to her feet, her expression wary. "Hello, Mr. Crawley. I hope my being here is not a problem?"

[flash-serpent.livejournal.com]

Why should it be, precious Parker? Lovely women are always welcome.

[oatmanspatient.livejournal.com]

Marty snaps. "That mean you're here to give me a spanking? I heard about the crap you pulled with Angela the last time we were here. So if you're going to fuck with my mind, I assure you I've done enough of that on my own and I don't need some demon's help,"

[oatmanspatient.livejournal.com]

"Huh. Yeah. Fascinating." Marty grunts. He starts poking through the books without much interest or passion.

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

She nodded slowly. "Good to hear. Professor Tick was kind enough to escort me," she said, then re-took her seat, watching Crowley out of the corner of her eye. "Is Mr. Phale around?"

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

"How are you dealing with.. stuff?" Parker winces. "Sorry. I just, Alanna was sick about it, she didn't give me any details, but-- I got the impression it was bad."

[flash-serpent.livejournal.com]

Not in the least, dear boy, I can tell your inner hell is far worse than anyting I could persuade you of. Would you like some tea? oh, yes, you're the coffee boy.

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

"Hey," Parker snaps. "Back off of Blank. Do *not* pull that insinuation crap again, this isn't the day for it."

[bugofjustice.livejournal.com]

"Hi, Marty," Tick said, not making direct eye contact.

[flash-serpent.livejournal.com]

Not as of yet, my dear. Parker. Please, make youself comfortable in the reading lounge my angel has set up. I'll bring your...cocoa.

[flash-serpent.livejournal.com]

Mymymy, aren't you feisty tonight. I swear, Martin is entirely safe in the Shop...as are all of the rest of you. I promised my angel. And I keep my Arrangements.

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

Coming back to the shop after a long walk in the park, Aziraphale notices the small group of visitors inside. He pushes open the door and steps in.

"Good evening, Miss Parker, Professor Tick, Marty." He smiles at everyone, but looks especially pleased to see Marty.

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

"Good to know," Parker says, abruptly remembering what she is talking to as well as who. "And... thank you for the cocoa."

She curls up in the big armchair, her feet underneath her, and tries to concentrate on her book.

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

"Hello, Mr. Phale. I hope you don't mind that we just walked in."