Aziraphale's Office Hours, Monday 9:00-12:00 (09/03)

[a_phale]

After accompanying Wilson to his classroom to help him get settled in for the first day of classes, Aziraphale opened up his office. He was pleased to see that no one had pranked him (not that he'd ever minding the pranking), and quickly had the place aired out and ready for visitors

Comments

First Period

[cantgetnorelief]

There had been a visit Anders had been meaning to make for a few days, and now that he had no particular reason to laze about in bed all morning he was down in the faculty office area with a cup of coffee, and knocking on Aziraphale's doorframe.

Re: First Period

[a_phale]

Aziraphale had his class notes sitting in front of him, although he was mostly just skimming them. When the knock sounded, he looked up with a quick smile.

"Mr Anders, come in! Have a gingersnap."

Re: First Period

[cantgetnorelief]

Ooooh, gingersnaps and coffee, good combination. Anders came in and, as bidden, took a gingersnap and a seat.

"I just came down 'cause I wanted to thank you, sir," he began between careful nibbles.

Re: First Period

[a_phale]

One eyebrow quirked curiously. "You're quite welcome, my dear, although I'm sure what you're thanking me for. If it was something worth thanks, though, I'm very glad I did it."

Re: First Period

[cantgetnorelief]

"It definitely was," Anders assured him quickly. "I know you and Doctor Wilson . . . did some stuff to help Bel and Phoebe out with college. And I just wanted you to know I really appreciate that. Would've done it myself if I could, but I can only make my signing bonus go so far, and well . . ."

He hesitated. "I'm not even sure any more if there'll be more where that came from."

Re: First Period

[a_phale]

"My dear," Aziraphale chuckled, "When you get adopted by a little sister, you do what you can to help her out. The three of you are like family for us."

He gave Anders a mock-severe look. "And that means that if that signing bonus of yours dries up and you need assistance, then you had better let us know."

Re: First Period

[cantgetnorelief]

Anders managed a smile. "I knew they were like family for you. I didn't realize that went for me too . . . but hopefully I'll have something else to support me besides a Pyramid contract if I end up going the route I've been thinking about."

Re: First Period

[a_phale]

"And what are you thinking about, if you don't mind me asking?" Aziraphale said, curious about Anders' plans. "If there's anything James and I can do to help, I hope you'll tell us."

Re: First Period

[cantgetnorelief]

Anders took a deep breath to steady himself. "I'm not sure exactly, yet," he admitted, "but I want to stay here. After I graduate . . . I don't want to go home and leave them. I'd love to get into baseball if I can, but I'm worried it might be too late."

Re: First Period

[a_phale]

"No, I can certainly understand not wanting to leave," Aziraphale agreed, with an emphatic nod. "But you know, what can it hurt to try your baseball idea? If it is too late, you'll find that out. But if you don't try, and it isn't too late, you'll have missed your chance."

Re: First Period

[cantgetnorelief]

Anders had half expecting to be told not to risk it, so hearing otherwise brought a surprised smile to his face. "You really think I should try? I want to try. Don't want to miss any more chances."

Re: First Period

[a_phale]

"I am a whole-hearted supporter of always trying, Mr Anders," Aziraphale chuckled. "I'll admit I don't always follow my own advice, but really...is it worse to try and discover that it won't work out? Or to never try at all, and wonder for the rest of your life whether or not you could have been successful?"

Re: First Period

[cantgetnorelief]

"I would have been kicking myself for the rest of my life if I hadn't taken the chance on being with them," Anders said softly. "So yeah. I think I'm going to do that. I've already been looking at colleges here with baseball programs, I just wasn't sure before if I was taking it seriously or not."

Re: First Period

[a_phale]

"Some of those chances do work out better than you might expect, don't they?" Aziraphale had a thoughtful, affectionate look in his eyes. "Do you need any help with applying to the universities? Letters of recommendation, things of that sort?"

Re: First Period

[cantgetnorelief]

"I'd love it. I've got no fr -- uh, no clue where to start," Anders told him, looking slightly embarrassed about it. "My other option is trying to get a non-roster invitation to spring training somewhere, but I need some experience first, so I'd need at least a year of college, and . . . wow, I've been thinking about this more than I thought I had."

Re: First Period

[a_phale]

"Good for you, then! I would expect James could help find some appropriate schools to apply to, and I would quite happy to write recommendations."

And if there was a college in particular that Anders really wanted into? Well, a little divine intervention really wouldn't be noticed, would it?