The Wilson-Phale Residence, Sunday (07/08)

[ditheringangel]

It might have seemed odd to some people to find a letter slipped through the mail slot on a Sunday, but Aziraphale and Wilson didn't think anything of it. Letters arrived for them in a manner of ways, and from all manner of places

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[dark_innocence]

A short time after arriving on the ferry, Lana knocked on the door to Mr. Phale's house. She took a deep breath while she waited, hoping he'd gotten her letter and that she'd be able to stay here for the night. If not... well, there must be a hotel somewhere.

[ditheringangel]

There was a hotel, but Aziraphale wouldn't have heard of sending anyone to stay in it. Not when there was a perfectly good guest room upstairs.

He was the door almost too soon after the knock for him to not have been waiting for it, and opened the with a worried smile that tried to look reassuring.

"Miss Lang, it's been too long. Come in, the tea's just finished."

[dark_innocence]

Lana managed an almost smile for him. He was here and he was her Mr. Phale and she'd be safe here. She followed him gratefully into the house, leaving her overnight bag by the door.

"I'm very glad you're here," she said quietly. "I'm assuming you got my letter?"

[ditheringangel]

When Lana went looking for the overnight bag later, she might have had a little trouble finding it. That would be because as they walked into the kitchen, the bag was banished upstairs to the guest room.

Just a subtle reminder to Lana that she was always welcome in the angel's house.

"I got it just today. James has gone down to the clinic for a bit, but I know he'll want to talk to you when he gets home." Aziraphale turned and gave the young woman a serious look. "My dear, it's a delight to see you, but it's obvious that this visit isn't under the best of circumstances. Are you all right?"

[dark_innocence]

Her hand moved up to cover her cheek without any conscious effort on her part. "No, not the best circumstances. And I'm honestly not sure if I'm all right. But I will be."

She was determined to be all right. No matter what it took.

[ditheringangel]

Aziraphale would have liked to know who had put that mark on Lana's cheek, but it seemed best to leave that sort of question until later. For now, as he took in his young friend's tired and overly thin appearance, and decided that the first thing to do was help her feel safe again.

Holding out his arms, he said quietly, "You know that we'll do whatever we can to help, my dear."

[dark_innocence]

Lana hesitated for a moment, then went into his arms, resting her head on his chest. She fought to hold back the tears that were threatening.

It was so good to feel safe. It had been a very long time since she'd felt that way.

"Thank you," she whispered.

[ditheringangel]

"Stay with us as long as you like," Aziraphale replied, holding Lana in a warm hug. "We love to have our friends close to us, Lana, and I can promise that nothing will bother you while you're here."

He kissed her forehead and then gently sat her down in one of the kitchen chairs. "Now...how about some tea?"

[dark_innocence]

She let out a deep breath and let herself sink gratefully into the chair. "Tea would be lovely, thank you." The relief of being here was so immense that she suddenly realized just how draining the past weeks had been.

[ditheringangel]

As it was already brewed, Aziraphale only had to pour it into the waiting cups. Leaving one empty for when Wilson got home, he brought the other two over to the table and set one in front of Lana.

"Are you hungry? I can make you a sandwich, or of course there's always sweets about. I'm running something of a tea shop now -- that's what's at the front of the house here."

[dark_innocence]

Lana took a sip from the cup, enjoying the feel of the hot liquid. She started to decline the offer of food, then hesitated. "Actually," she said looking a little surprised. "I am a little hungry. A sandwich might be nice."

[ditheringangel]

It was quite plain that Lana hadn't been eating properly, and Aziraphale was pleased when she accepted the offer. While she enjoyed her tea, he busied himself putting together a small lunch for them both.

"Do you have a favorite?" he asked, as he began setting things on the counter.

[dark_innocence]

Lana was wondering what was happening back in Smallville. Did they still think she was dead? Had they arrested Lex? If they had it would take more time for people to discover the truth and for Lex to come looking for her.

She looked up a little startled at Mr. Phale's question. "Favorite? Oh, well..." she smiled a little shyly. "Grilled cheese is still my favorite comfort food, but whatever you have will be fine."

[ditheringangel]

"You and James both," Aziraphale chuckled, promptly putting a small skillet on the stove. "That and eggs with cheese. Both of which, I should add, I am now an expert at making."

While the skillet heated, he set out a plate of rich-looking brownies on the table, with a knowing grin. "You do still like brownies, I hope?"

[dark_innocence]

Lana smiled up at him. "I do, yes. And you always made the best brownies." She picked one up and broke off a piece to nibble on. "Still wonderful."

[ditheringangel]

"I'm so glad you like them," Aziraphale replied, beaming. He made up a platter of grilled cheese sandwiches and set them next to the brownies, then pulled a bowl of grapes and strawberries from the refrigerator as well. Taking a seat, he put a sandwich on his own plate and then tilted his head to look at Lana.

"Where are you headed, if you don't mind me asking?"