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Who: Aziraphale and OPEN
What: Just vibing around the North Pole tbh. May also serve as a general catchall for other bits and bobs through the month.
Where: Several places! Library, dining hall, Vaguely Around, etc.
When: The post-arrival pre-next plot zone. The settling-in zone, even.
Warnings/Notes: None yet, will update as needed/requested!

library.

[ Realistically, this is probably the number one place most guaranteed to get results in the Aziraphale sightings economy. The library is equal parts enrichment in his enclosure and a decent simulation of his native environment. Well, as long as he ignores the DVDs and CDs and such. Which he does.

If someone wanted to make a very posh zoo enclosure for a wild Aziraphale it would basically be this premise. He's in the library on the daily. Around the same time each day, probably, and winding up in the same specific chair, because he feels better when he can have one or two reliable little rituals on his schedule.

What he's got picked out tends to vary. Largely classic literature or stageplays, which he mostly thumbs through purely for the sake of seeing if they're very different in this reality. The ~big ones~. Austen, Wilde, Dickens, Shakespeare, Shelley, Tolkien, C.S. Lewis. Arthurian folklore but only when he's positive Crowley isn't in the library with him. For normal reasons. Some comically ancient guide of some sort about embroidery, because he's got it on the brain now.

(The very, very first thing that he makes sure to sit down with is a 'Winnie-the-Pooh' collected works, of course. It's actually so important that he knows they're the same as the ones he has memorized.)

While in the library, Aziraphale is largely open to socializing. If he's not open to socializing he'll simply not be in the library at all. He'll say friendly hellos every time he first walks in! He's happy to get introduced and talk literature and ask people about what they're reading if they seem amenable!

Although he does have a habit of hitting long stretches where he just sort of zones in on a book and stops paying attention to literally everything and everyone around him. Give him like an hour. He'll blink again, honest. ]

communal relaxation area.

[ Also a decent bet on places to find Aziraphale! It's cozy. He loves cozy. Coziness is in his top three favorite concepts humans came up with. Heaven is too minimalist to take the credit and Hell is too claustrophobic.

He might be reading by a very pretty window, as prophecy foretold. He might just be having some pastries and people-watching, like a cool normal person. An angel practicing his fancy shuffling and other card-based magic tricks? In your North Pole? It's more likely than you think. Important to note: the shuffling and sleight of hand are performed very poorly. Aziraphale is still thriving.

He's even more willing to socialize out here. It's what the whole setup is built for, truly. Come get your free "oh hello!"s and "how are you getting on?"s. Or if you like, in full 'old silly being an old silly' intonation: ]

Lovely weather we're having.

[ It's a low bar, being the funniest angel Heaven's ever turned out. But by god he's doing it. ]

wildcard.

[ for whatever other options! Aziraphale straight up doesn't do sleep, so he can theoretically be found at any hour in these locations, or like... out for a stroll or getting a snack or paging through a book. Doing everything in his power to not learn how to use the network or a modern phone or anything of the sort. If he recognizes anyone from the Wilderlands or the intro event, he's also likely to want to say hi and see how they're doing.

Possibly just having some cocoa and regarding the Globe of Belief with a very real sort of fondness. (A guardian is a guardian and Earth is Earth, even if this isn't the Earth he was made for and he's not the sort of guardian made specifically for it, technically. Always been a problem of his, he supposes. Getting attached.)

hmu with whatever or gimme a poke at

comatoseroses and we can work something out! i'll do closed starters idc. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Well, I got kicked out of my flat, but it's been alright aside from that. Lots of long lunches and awful plays.

[The plays aren't actually that bad, he just likes to complain and Aziraphale knows that he likes to complain so he doesn't get upset about it.]

You got kicked out? When did that happen?

[ BESTIE? BELOVED? How did that happen, even, it's not like they haven't got access to Earthly income up their sleeves. Crowley could surely make his bloody rent, couldn't he? ]

[Please hold while Crowley rewinds the conversation and realizes that he just admitted that out loud.

It hadn't seemed as important to keep it a secret here, since there's literally nothing to be done about it. Aziraphale can't offer to let him stay at the bookshop, since they don't have access to the bookshop, so this weird Schrodinger's cat can continue to exist.]

Technically, Hell owned the place, so... [A shrug, to illustrate all that.

He decides not to mention his replacement.] S'fine, really, I've got it sorted.

[Living in the Bentley does not count.]

They couldn't even let you rest on your laurels for a minute? Oh, the absolute gall--

[ It's rude. That's what it is, it's rude, what part of a very theatrical veiled threat about leaving Crowley alone didn't include his living space in the umbrella? Aziraphale is going to fuss about it. He's going to puff up about it and be all huffy, because it's offensive.

Not that it's not good that it's sorted. Got sorted. Will get sorted. However that timeline is even going to work out. Just. It shouldn't need to get to sorted in the first place!! ]

How are the plants taking it? [ The poor innocent plants!!!!!!! ] What sort of housewarming gift should I bring? Or-- actually, don't tell me, I'll make it a surprise. Plenty of time to think on it before we get back.

[ Something with a pop of color. Crowley's home decor needs it. Not that Aziraphale wants Crowley's new flat that he obviously has to feature a little something that deliberately stands out and makes him think of Aziraphale or anything. Of course.

He's out of flaming swords to give to recently displaced down on their luck individuals, tragically. ]

[Could he clarify that he had like eight months before Shax showed up? Sure, but in truth, that might as well be minutes for them considering the scale of their existence. Eight months is a blip.

He isn't sure why Aziraphale is puffed up like an offended owl about this; maybe it has something to do with the fact he was sort of responsible for trying to get Hell to leave Crowley alone?]

They'll take it well if they know what's good for them.

[Fucked up way to talk about your plants that are also a metaphor for yourself.

Also kind of fucked up not to tell Aziraphale that he doesn't have a new flat. It's fine. He'll never need to find out.]

Wine's always a good gift. [It takes some effort not to get all flustered about the prospect of a gift from Aziraphale.] We're lucky we kept the collection mostly in the shop, would've been a nightmare to move it.

Let them acclimate. [ Unexpected lifestyle changes are horrifying. Even for plants. The plants and Crowley have been through enough already.

Barely any time at all before Hell quite literally came knocking. They were hardly going to actually get an eternity unhindered. Lovely thing to think about, silly thing to hope for.

It's not-- well. All fine and good to think that it's not fair. Of course it's not. It's happened anyway. Spilled milk. Not helping anything to natter on about it now.

Wine. Noted. Better train of thought. Crowley can watch Aziraphale switch tracks and add it to his mysterious mental to-do list in real time. It's one of those things that only resurfaces every so often, like specific answers in a Magic 8 Ball, but it always keeps what he puts on it.

Wine, and then the rest will be a surprise. Sort of a, a care package. He'll put nice things in it. Crowley can gripe about how much he brings over and how Aziraphale must be trying to use his new flat for secondary storage, and Aziraphale will pretend that there are only so many things in there because he got indecisive while he shopped. Because he can't just say I want to know you're somewhere comfortable or I love you, don't you have any idea. He has to do other things, and then he has to look put out about Crowley ~not liking his gifts~ until Crowley has to accept them all on the pretense of making him feel better.

It's how it works.

He hasn't figured out the part of his wooing timeline where he understands how to make it work differently, so it's still how it works. There is obviously no need to ever consult Crowley, the co-creator of their strange and complex shared language, about any desires or attempts to communicate differently. ]

I can imagine. You already have a few things that would need to be handled very carefully. [ Not a ton of them, plants aside. Still enough to fuss over. Statues, glassware, that sort of thing.

He taps his fingers on the armrest of his comfy reading chair. ] Dreadful business.

[The urge to tell him to mind his business about the plants comes and goes easily; he doesn't feel the need to be overly surly right now, both because they're having a nice conversation and because he's not in the right frame of mind to be an arse.]

They're getting plenty of light, they'll be fine.

[There are lots of windows in the Bentley!

If he felt any guilt about not being fully honest, the concern on Aziraphale's face clears it right up; there's no need to worry him too much, even more so when they're here, where nothing can be done about it. Not that much can be done about it back in London, either. Fighting Hell over a piece of real estate isn't worth it, not when he'd rather avoid drawing their attention or ire.]

Eh, it's not worth fussing much over, angel. You know me, can't go too long without shaking things up anyway, might as well take the opportunity to try something new.

[Again, living in the Bentley does not count as trying something new.]

[ Hmmmmm. Good. Plenty of light is the ideal amount, in Aziraphale's opinion as a former professional gardener. At least there's that. That's something. ]

If it weren't worth fussing over, I wouldn't be fussed in the first place.

[ Obviously. Checkmate. ]

[Oh, good, he can distract him with a silly argument before his metaphorical house of cards crumbles.]

That's terrible logic, you'll fuss over anything given half a chance. You love to fuss.

[It's a distraction but it's also true, he really does love to fuss.]

[ Rude of Crowley to call him out like this. With the truth. Aziraphale can't even say oh that's ridiculous no I don't, because if "love" weren't the clear and obvious answer for an angel, "fussiness" could be in the running for this Guardian center they all supposedly have.

So he makes a little tss noise. A dumb petty baby noise that means okay, you got me there. ]

Because the fussing is worth doing, to me. [ And oftentimes not to anybody else. But he can say this to Crowley because it's Crowley, which means it's fine to say it. ] I think my logic's quite sound.

[Crowley considers that very sensible point, humming to himself for a second and only briefly getting off track as he thinks about all the things Aziraphale loves.]

Suppose I can't argue with that, if we're going by your standards.

[If it's worth fussing to Aziraphale, then he's allowed to fuss.]

What are we even fussing about, now?

[he forgor....]

[ Won a not-argument with his stoned boyfriend. This is a landmark occasion for Aziraphale, truly.

The "we" is something that can be so personal. The implied automatic tie-in to whatever Aziraphale is fussing about this time. Crowley is so sweet and so just vibing right now. ]

Your living situation. [ Crowley? Please? Well, but. Given the circumstances. ] Have a day off from that issue, though, I'll fuss enough to cover us both.

[ Since apparently Crowley isn't all that fussed about it to start with. Even though he clearly should be! Not that it's bad that he's not, he guesses! Aziraphale doesn't know, he's trying his best out here. ]

[He nearly says something silly about living in the North Pole right now, before he mentally recaptures the thread of conversation and waves a hand.]

There's really no need to fuss, but if you're insisting on it, why don't we fuss over dinner?

[Does he just want to see if Aziraphale will let him out in public right now? Maybe so.]

I'm always happy to fuss over dinner with you.

[ A little semi-compliment to Crowley's company. As a treat. ]

Once you've had enough fun here and you're ready to sober up.

[ For lack of a better term. ]

[Compliment: good. Being told to sober up: bad.

Crowley makes a very dramatic pbbt sound, just because he can.]

You think no one's ever been high at a Thai restaurant before?

Edited 2023-10-16 18:18 (UTC)

In the vast span of human history, I'm sure it's happened. I don't see why you need to continue the tradition, is all.

[ Nice as it is to see him somewhat relaxed. ]

[There is a very skeptical scoff from Crowley, because he's sure it's happened very frequently, not just a rare occurrence that Aziraphale seems to be suggesting.]

Come onnnn, angel, I'll be on my best behavior, promise.

[He's far more likely to eat, too, if he's still stoned, but he isn't sure how to communicate that without it sounding weird.]

You're never on your best behavior.

[ That can't be an argument if it just sounds fond, Aziraphale. You are losing vital ground. ]

[He may be too stupid to realize that tone is fond, but he does know it means he's winning.]

Then it'll be a novel experience that you'd be remiss to miss.

[hehe that rhymed.]

[ Crowley is so dense. Aziraphale dreams of kissing him under the moonlight for it, with absolutely zero self awareness.

Novel, indeed. He weighs the fun values on Crowley being a little bit silly in public spaces versus the fact that if he wheedles Crowley into getting un-stoned, it probably means that after dinner he's going to have to confront that vape again. Hate that. ]

If you cause a ruckus, I'm coming back to the library.

[ Mid-meal? Unlikely. He'll think about it very hard though. ]

[At some point once he sobers up, he's going to realize that he basically told Aziraphale that he'd behave for him, and will need to have a 4-7 hour lie down about it.

For now, he just rolls his eyes.]

I haven't done lines of bloody coke, angel, I won't cause a ruckus.

[He might be a little more silly, but he mostly just wants to eat a little food and drink a lot of wine and stare at Aziraphale. None of that is a crime or disruptive to other diners.]

You sort of have to — focus, to get people to see you, but it's easy enough once you've got the trick of it.

[Has Aziraphale been out much since they got here? Probably not. There's a library and yetis that provide snacks and meals at someone's whim, why would he leave?]

[ RIP future Crowley and his lie down. Aziraphale already knows what's what.

He has, in fact, not been out much since getting here at all. The North Pole is so much of a perfect zoo enclosure for him. It's even got Crowley in it. Not to mention the books, cozy clutter, food, alcohol... top tier stuff.

(If he also hasn't really gone out a tiny bit because he doesn't know exactly what the children here-- expect, or how he's meant to provide it, that's his business. He's processing.) ]

I ought to be able to pick it up quickly.

[ It's basically 1:1 with hurling his noncorporeal form down to Earth and then making himself register to a soused-sounding Crowley, right. ]

I've the utmost faith.

[Sometimes things said cheekily and a little sarcastically can be so personal because they're actually very much true. He might tease Aziraphale for being stuck in the past, but he's quick on the uptake when it matters. Mostly.]

D'you need to sort anything out before we head out?

[He's just going to miracle them somewhere, it's fine.]

[ Aziraphale counts that as a flirt and puts it in his flirts pocket like a pre-date pocket square. A thoughtful token. Wow.

He has himself a ???-brand glance around, on principle. ]

If I do, it's news to me. [ He's just been sitting here with books, but they're not even his and he's not even restoring them or anything. Business is dead. ]

[The little glance around is cute, so Crowley will allow it.]

Hold on to your hat, then.

[He isn't even wearing a hat.

Crowley snaps his fingers, dragging them both through space to London, specifically Chinatown, specifically outside the Speedboat Bar.

Notably, Aziraphale is now wearing a replica of the coat he tragically lost during his earlier adventures; it's as perfect a copy as Crowley can make, which is pretty perfect, considering how long he's seen Aziraphale wearing it. He'd been planning to do this for a while but hadn't been sure how to give it to Aziraphale without making it a whole thing.

Maybe they can just pretend it never happened and move on.]

Oh, brilliant, I was worried it might not exist here.