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

[manicuredangel]

Dear, we hardly are on either side anymore. We opposed both when we helped to stop Armageddon. And while I may listen to Him, my brethren have rather lost my confidence. I will not stop being an angel, I don't thInk. I would have done so after I murdered that alien were I to fall.

[itsjustafruit]

You didn't do it. [Crowley drains his scotch... again, and sets it aside before reaching for Aziraphale's hand.] The sin isn't on these hands, and believe me, I know sin.

[manicuredangel]

[He looked down at Crowley's hand on his, marveling privately at how kind the demon truly is to him.]

Zirah has gone back into the aether. I alone can bear responsibility for his actions.

[itsjustafruit]

[Well, who else is going to let him take full-century naps? Besides, he's... the most tolerable company on Earth.]

Are you listening to what you just said?

[manicuredangel]

I know what I said, dear. And I cannot just sit back it never happened.

[itsjustafruit]

Yes you can and you should. It was a case of demonic possession. No fault of yours.

[manicuredangel]

I'm not going to belittle that creature's death.

[itsjustafruit]

You sound like you're trying to be a martyr instead of an angel, Aziraphale. Do think He will damn those who were demonically possessed for what was done with their bodies before the exorcism? [This is actually an interesting, business-related question, which excuses the fact that it's also meant as a comfort.]

[manicuredangel]

Er, no... I've not seen that happen.

[itsjustafruit]

Then stop this.

[manicuredangel]

But... [He frowns. Crowley's not going to let him off the hook for this, will he?]

[itsjustafruit]

But? [Seeing Aziraphale mope puts his universe askew and he likes his universe un-askew.]

[manicuredangel]

[He looks at Crowley again, a gentle fondness in his eyes.]

You really can be quite kind sometimes, dear.

[itsjustafruit]

Is this what I get for talking some sense into you?

[The smile belies the words just a little.]

[manicuredangel]

You should know I appreciate your efforts, dear.

[itsjustafruit]

You can do it without resorting to insults. Kind. What it would do for my reputation if that got back to anyone Down Below.

[Considering he still has a hand over Aziraphale's and he's still smiling, the complaint seems kind of pro forma.]

[manicuredangel]

At this point, do you even really care what they think of you? Are their opinions that important?

[itsjustafruit]

In terms of having them take references from my field notes on some of humanity's more creative forms of torture and put them to use? Yes, actually.

[manicuredangel]

In regards to your personal life, I meant.

[itsjustafruit]

Unless I can sell them on the idea that I'm tempting you off the righteous path, my personal life could lead to Down Below's new most popular show, "The Best of the Inquisition" with me as the star, and I don't mean as the host.

[manicuredangel]

[His point seems to have gotten lost somewhere in the confusion. He seems to fluff up for a moment before leaning over and placing a gentle kiss on the corner of his mouth, the scotch starting to settle in.]

Well, they can't have you.

[itsjustafruit]

[It happens. Sometimes Crowley gets focused on his skin instead of his heart, but the kiss helps him refocus.]

And I don't care what Upstairs thinks of this either.

[manicuredangel]

It's not as if He doesn't know... He must approve of us... Otherwise He would have done something...

[itsjustafruit]

Aziraphale, I'm not even drunk enough to address that when it comes to Him, the Plan, ineffability, and what free will or the lack thereof means for the two of us.

[But there's a bottle in front of him, so that can be corrected.]

More scotch?

[manicuredangel]

Oh, yes please. [He holds out his glass, still leaning in close to Crowley and not quite noticing.]