Possibly looking for a new game...

[manicuredangel]

Really, dear... I don't think I should like to go to another one of those "games", as you like to call them. I'm perfectly happy here in my bookshop and I'd really rather not leave it. Don't think I've forgotten what you did to my bookshop on the large space faring vessel. I cannot forget the smell of my collection burning to ashes.

Er... Yes, I will admit the absence of Crowley has been a little disconcerting, especially since he didn't leave a note or anything.... But I do have plenty of books to tide me over until he returns. I'll be quite alright.

Comments

[littleorphanarry]

They're just stupid books.

[manicuredangel]

There is nothing stupid about books, dear girl.

[littleorphanarry]

There's a lot stupid about them.

[manicuredangel]

They are small refuges or knowledge or creativity. They are wonderful.

[littleorphanarry]

They're boring.

[manicuredangel]

They are delightful! Oh, it's such a shame a dear as young as you doesn't appreciate books.

[littleorphanarry]

I'm not a dear.

[manicuredangel]

Yes you are, dear girl.

[littleorphanarry]

I'm not a girl either.

[manicuredangel]

Oh. Er... My apologies. You all look rather similar when young.

[itsjustafruit]

Sometimes an angel (fallen or otherwise) just has to get out and stretch his legs. You should try it instead of moldering here with the books.

[manicuredangel]

I rather like it here, you realize. And it's not my fault you haven't been by to break me out of my routine.

[itsjustafruit]

I might have noticed, but it doesn't stop me from trying to get you out in the world. The more time you spend with humans, the more congenial you get. I like you congenial.

[manicuredangel]

I'm sure you do, dear.

[itsjustafruit]

I brought you a little something. I picked this book series up while I was out; its all the rage I hear.

[manicuredangel]

Crowley, you shouldn't have. [Though clearly he's itching for them. Because they are books. And they are from Crowley.]

[itsjustafruit]

[He probably shouldn't have, but old habits die hard, and that smile is... endearing bright.]

I can't say I've read the books myself, but they're popping up absolutely everywhere. There are even children's clothes inspired by the books. It's remarkable, really. Do enjoy 50 Shades in all its glory.

[manicuredangel]

Oh, I will Crowley. Thank you.

[itsjustafruit]

Now that that's out of the way, tell me how you ended up with your bookshop on a spaceship. It strikes me as rather like a hermit crab's wanderings with its borrowed shell.

[manicuredangel]

Oh, er... Well... It was rather, er... waiting for me. When I got there I was told I had been there before and made my shop then. But I don't remember any of that...

[itsjustafruit]

But it burned? Aziraphale... you must have been devastated.

[manicuredangel]

[He looks down.]

It did. I was... I was trying fruitlessly to contact Heaven...

[itsjustafruit]

[He sits down next to Aziraphale.]

Before or after the bookshop burned?

[manicuredangel]

Before... I'm afraid it was the cause... Events earlier in the year left me wanting guidance.

[itsjustafruit]

What was so dire that you wanted to draw attention that way? You've always been so adept at flying below the radar, literally as well as figuratively.