(no subject)

[a-fell.livejournal.com]

Aziraphael is scowling when he comes through the door, scowls throughout the lengthy operation of removing the layers of wool and tweed, and remains scowling as he flops onto a sofa in front of the fire.

One might get the impression that just maybe he's in a foul temper.

Comments

[creator_raven]

Pity Raven has no survival instincts.

He perches lightly on the arm of the sofa, blinking down at the angel.

"The universe has offended you?"

[a-fell.livejournal.com]

"The universe seems to go out of its way to do so, just now."

Aziraphael folds his arms, tucking his hands into his armpits. It's possible, certainly, that it's too warm his hands up, but he does manage to look rather like a petulant toddler.

[creator_raven]

Raven snorts.

"It is a fine thing, to imagine that the universe must make an effort."

He wrinkles his nose, then, and tucks his knees up. Amazing how he can keep his balance.

"It is remarkably irritating."

[a-fell.livejournal.com]

"It's rather in my nature to believe that there is a purpose behind the way that the world works, you know, and I'd far rather name the universe as my grievance than insist that Himself is picking on me."

[creator_raven]

Raven laughs.

"The image of him as a schoolyard bully is priceless, I think. Though startlingly inaccurate, so."

He shrugs.

"You might blame me, if you like. Many have, before."

[nitro-is-ace.livejournal.com]

There, closer to the fire, on the floor, using a certain doberman pup as a pillow, is a pyro.

A pyro with a plate of cookies, of a variety of sorts.

A plate which is silently offered to said grumpy angel, absentmindedly.

Ace is an equal-opportunity cookie giver.

[a-fell.livejournal.com]

Aziraphael scowls at the plate for a little while.

However, grumpiness was never effective defense against cookies.

[nitro-is-ace.livejournal.com]

No, not really. They're pretty cheerful regardless.
"Y'welcome t'more than one, if y'debating." Ace offers, without looking up. Magic wags her tail at the angel, remembering that this one gives good ear skritches.

[a-fell.livejournal.com]

He allows a reluctant smile. The cookies are good.

"It's nice to see you, my dear. And no real surprise that that little tyke is yours."

[nitro-is-ace.livejournal.com]

"Oh, y'know her? She's figured out how to get out of the TARDIS, makes it harder t'keep an eye on her." She looks up, and grins. "Hullo Aziraphael. How goes?"

[prince-arithon.livejournal.com]

Arithon can, and does, offer tea.

Silently, because annoying angels is even lower on his list of "Things To Do" than annoying gods.

Actually, he takes a perverse amount of pleasure out of annoying gods.

[a-fell.livejournal.com]

Aziraphael looks a little better, all of a sudden. It's amazing, the restorative effects of tea.

"Good evening, my dear - and many thanks. It's rather nippy outside, you know."

[prince-arithon.livejournal.com]

"You are very welcome."

He smiles, just a little bit,

"It is cold, but that does make the fire feel nice."

And while he doesn't ask what is wrong, he does provide an air of open attention if the angel wishes to talk.

[a-fell.livejournal.com]

"It's very true. A period of deprivation makes the eventual acquisition of the desired end all the sweeter, perhaps."

It's possible to believe he's not speaking entirely of the warmth of the fire.

[prince-arithon.livejournal.com]

"Indeed. At times it is only the anticipation which allows one to continue in life, is it not? Knowing that after a trip through the snow one will have a hot dinner, for instance."

It is probable that Arithon isn't talking about what his words are saying, either.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

Bernard flops next to him.

"Fancy seeing you here."

[a-fell.livejournal.com]

Aziraphael looks even more annoyed at that, quite possibly due to guilt.

"I've been busy," he says shortly.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

"...I wasn't judging. Just employing witty banter."

[a-fell.livejournal.com]

He relents slightly.

"But Bernard, my dear, it didn't involve obscure sports-based euphemisms!"

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

"I'm branching out. You should be proud."

[prone-to-panic.livejournal.com]

Aziraphale might be in a fould mood, and Archie's settled himself into a semi-permanent state of nervousness. He is, however, sitting near the fire when the Angel comes over,

"Good evening, Mr Aziraphale. How have you been faring, sir?"

[a-fell.livejournal.com]

"Oh, quite well, my dear, quite well. Goodness, but it's been a long time since I've seen you."

[prone-to-panic.livejournal.com]

"That sort of thing tends to happen at times. I am glad nothing awful has happened though."

He smiles wryly and gestures to the table in front of his chair.

"I've a pot of tea, would you care for some?"

[a-fell.livejournal.com]

"Absolutely and without question."

Goodness me, a smile!

[prone-to-panic.livejournal.com]

"Milk and sugar?"

He pours another cup.

"The good Bar always gives me more than I can possibly drink myself."