(Untitled)

[h8_ineffability]

After fleeing leaving Zirah, Crowley led Aziraphale in the general direction of the Nexus mall. He had, in fact, been telling the truth about finding a decent restaurant there. Little Italian place, they had good seafood, too. Might as well take the angel there.

"Bloody he- something, angel, of all the times for you to decide to wander into the

Comments

[bookish_angel]

See Aziraphale. See Aziraphale attempt to smile.

He really is trying not to let this get to him, but that... version of him completely unsettled him. He'd never met a creature that felt so twisted and perverse. Perhaps it seemed so much more so because it was a twisted and perverse reflection of himself. Yes, that must be it.

"Ah, but such things happen in the Nexus, my dear, I was aware of the phenomenon. As you might recall, we live in a smaller one," Aziraphale replies. This isn't fake cheerfulness. It's more like optimistic cheerfulness. There really are no limits to the angel's optimism. "I really shouldn't take it personally... ah, well, yes. That was unintentional."

[h8_ineffability]

"You know, I can honestly say I'm much less concerned about who might take what personally than about not being near him," Crowley replies, frowning. It doesn't seem to really occur to him that he hasn't let go of Aziraphale's arm yet, or that maybe he should. He's badly unnerved, and the angel's familiar presence is comforting.

Meeting ANY demon with a mind like that one would have unsettled him. Meeting one that ALSO happened to be Aziraphale once... Well, Crowley is trying very hard not to think about that part.

When they arrive at the restaurant, there is, coincidentally, a nice table for two in a quiet corner. In some respects, the multiverse hasn't really changed Crowley's lifestyle much.

"Talking of where we live, I finally got my new flat fixed up properly how I like it last week. Been meaning to give you the address."

[bookish_angel]

It takes Aziraphale a while to realize that Crowley was still holding onto his arm, despite the fact that he could have let go a while ago, but by that time they've already gotten to their table, so he decides not to mention it.

It was comfortingly familiar, in any case, and he's certainly not going to complain about that.

"Oh, good... but are you actually going to be there very often?"

[h8_ineffability]

"Er... If nothing else, I'll be stopping by every few days to care for my plants." In Crowley's own specialized sense of 'caring for plants'. "It's at least a place someone can leave me a message and be fairly sure I'll get it."

Crowley shrugs casually as he sits down. "What else is a flat for?"

[bookish_angel]

"Some people actually live in them. They spend more time there than they do anywhere else, aside from work perhaps, you know."

He settles into the chair across from Crowley. "Although I suppose I'm not really one to talk."

[h8_ineffability]

"You live in your bookshop, so no, not really," Crowley replies, picking up his menu to glance over. "How's life treating you lately, angel? Recent unsettling encounters aside, obviously."

[bookish_angel]

"I've been doing fine. I have my books, the usual visitors, and the occasional unexpected guest. What about you?"

[h8_ineffability]

"No complaints. Now I've got my move dealt with, I'll have a bit more time to get out and do things."

[bookish_angel]

"Oh, really? Such as?"

[h8_ineffability]

"I haven't decided yet. I'll find something to keep occupied with, never fear," Crowley says, flashing Aziraphale what's probably a rather worryingly chipper grin.

[bookish_angel]

"Oh, dear." Yes, that is a worrying grin. He sighs. "I suppose there's no lack of opportunity, even in a place like this."

[h8_ineffability]

"Especially in a place like this, angel. You've never really checked out the major Nexii, have you? The opportunities for keeping myself amused are endless."

Another grin, a rather wickedly amused one. "I was really annoying another me a bit ago. It was funny."

Crowley waves to a waiter, closing his menu. "I'll have the angelhair pasta with shrimp, and bring a bottle of whatever your best wine is."

[bookish_angel]

"Ah, and I'll have the fettuccini alfredo, please."

He looks back at Crowley. "Well, it has been a while, and I never did do much in the way of exploring, I admit." He hadn't been very inclined to, considering the conditions under which he'd arrived.

[h8_ineffability]

"All kinds of fun. And I intend to be having plenty of that in the wonderful lack of constant abject terror," Crowley says, waving a hand rather enthusiastically. Being moved in properly and safe from Down Below has been making Crowley a bit giddy, the only thing keeping him down was considering the issue of 'angel adoption'.

Now he's pretty much come to a decision on that, there's nothing stopping him being disgustingly bloody cheerful.

[bookish_angel]

"I see..." Aziraphale tilts his head over slightly. "You seem to be in a good mood. Any particular reason why?"

[h8_ineffability]

"Wonderful lack of constant abject terror," Crowley repeats. "For the first time since I became a demon, I'm safe, angel. I can't be dragged back Down Below now. I haven't got superiors to answer to for things like, oh, losing the AntiChrist."