Comments | a_phale: The Edge of the Park, Saturday at Sunset (12/22)

a_phale

The Edge of the Park, Saturday at Sunset (12/22)

Dec 22, 2007 16:22

Aziraphale stood at the edge of the park, facing in toward the center, thinking how strange it was that a town could get under your skin the way this one had. He felt rather certain this would be his last look at the park, at the buildings around it, at the school up on the hill. But he was taking some of the best memories he'd ever created with ( Read more... )

anders, phoebe, wilson, lana, taking leave, park, aziraphale

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Anyone a_phale December 22 2007, 21:29:38 UTC

For anyone stopping to say goodbye before Phoebe & Wilson.

Re: Anyone cantgetnorelief December 22 2007, 21:44:36 UTC

It was, of course, impossible for Anders not to be aware of what was going on today.

He couldn't help thinking, as he made his way to the park, that he'd done this before, but that thought was immediately followed by the realization of how much he'd changed since that last goodbye . . . and the first time he'd met Aziraphale in this park. He wasn't the hesitant fifteen-year-old in puppy love any more, or the boy still negotiating his first heartbreak, and yet, he wouldn't say he was anywhere near grown up.

Time was . . . well, it was something, all right.

He stood with his hands in his pockets and a slightly forced smile on his face for a moment or two before speaking. "You really have to do this, huh?"

Re: Anyone a_phale December 22 2007, 21:48:58 UTC

"I'm afraid I do," Aziraphale answered quietly, turning his head to give Anders a solemn smile. "I always knew my time here would come to an end eventually, and I'm needed elsewhere now."

Re: Anyone cantgetnorelief December 22 2007, 21:58:48 UTC

Anders wasn't crying. He really wasn't -- but from the expression on his face he might be coming damned close.

"I guess we can't hog you forever," he said slowly. "Doesn't mean I don't wish we could."

Re: Anyone a_phale December 22 2007, 22:03:07 UTC

Aziraphale's eyes were dry, but only because he'd promised himself to remain positive.

"Nothing lasts forever, my dear. And that includes the work I go to do now. James will know how to get in touch with me, and I feel sure we'll cross paths again one day."

Re: Anyone cantgetnorelief December 22 2007, 22:19:41 UTC

"I hope so." The words came out just a touch too vehemently, but Anders had to force them past the way his voice kept wanting to crack. "Sir, I know this sounds kind of crazy, but I kind of want to be someone you'll be proud of, and I can't do that if I never see you again, can I?"

Re: Anyone a_phale December 22 2007, 22:23:01 UTC

That plan to keep from tearing up was getting harder, and Aziraphale bowed his head for a moment. Then he looked up at Anders, his expression showing plainly how touched he was.

"Mr Anders, I can promise you that you already are someone I'm proud of. But I'm not going so far away that a letter won't reach me, if you'd like to write now and then, let me know how you are, and what you're doing."

Re: Anyone cantgetnorelief December 22 2007, 22:44:29 UTC

"I'll have to do that." Anders drew himself up slightly. "You told me once that I was pretty much almost family, and, well, you're Phoebe's big brother so that pretty much cements it. You're more real family to me than my own family seems like -- I know that sounds kind of horrible, but it's true."

Re: Anyone a_phale December 22 2007, 22:55:26 UTC

"You are family to me," Aziraphale agreed. "It may seem strange, for someone like me to care about such things, but I've found that it means a great deal to me to have people like you and Phoebe and Belthazor. Like James. I may be going away for a while, but I can promise that I'll never forget any of you."

Re: Anyone cantgetnorelief December 22 2007, 23:03:04 UTC

"Couldn't forget you either," Anders replied. "That'd be impossible after everything. You've done all this stuff for me and for Phoebe and Bel, and a bunch of people here. There's like . . . a little bit of you in a lot of things here, now, so I don't think it's even possible to forget about you."

It wasn't his most coherent speech by far, but Anders hoped that the angel would understand what he meant.

Re: Anyone a_phale December 22 2007, 23:11:21 UTC

Aziraphale did understand, and he gave Anders a grateful smile. "There will always be a little bit of me left behind here, and a little bit of this town and the people in it inside of me. It's been my pleasure, Mr Anders, to know all of you."

Re: Anyone cantgetnorelief December 22 2007, 23:31:57 UTC

"And it's been an honor to know you, sir," Anders answered solemnly.

Re: Anyone a_phale December 22 2007, 23:45:44 UTC

With a warm smile, and just a hint of tears in his eyes, Aziraphale asked, "Would it be considered to sentimental, if I were to ask for a hug?"

Re: Anyone cantgetnorelief December 23 2007, 03:45:42 UTC

Anders's smile wavered for a moment, then he nodded firmly. "Not at all. I've been told I'm pretty huggable," he said, opening up his arms.

It wasn't like he had any problems hugging other guys, of course.

Re: Anyone a_phale December 23 2007, 03:50:27 UTC

Nodding, Aziraphale pulled him in for a tight hug. Then he drew away, and tried hard to look casual and light-hearted. "Watch over Phoebe for me, Mr Anders. And James as well, when you can."

Re: Anyone cantgetnorelief December 23 2007, 03:52:23 UTC

"I will," Anders promised. "And Bel, even though he'd get all growly over the idea of anyone watching over him. We'll take care of them for you. And I know you're an angel and all, but you take care of yourself too, okay?"

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