video; Open

[wiggleon]

Name: Aziraphale
Date: Octeuril 24th
Format: Voice

[Aziraphale has practiced... A Lot before actually making this post, so the camera is only a little bit shaky instead of the complete and messy failure that would be expected of him. It's not that he can't learn how to use new technologies! He just would rather not have to when older technologies suit him just fine.

Apparently, he's realized there really isn't another way to go in this place. Considering he has a small collection of discarded gifted smartphones that he's never used back home, that is no small feat.]

So, I've been- that is to say-

[...Once an awkward angel, always an awkward angel. But also a fairly determined, stubborn one, so:]

I've been thinking I'd like to open a bookshop in this place. I had one back home, you see, curated the books for centuries- but I can't just sit around and mope about it, can I? So I figured I could start my own collection here.

[If it sounds like he's talking about a private collection instead of what's supposed to be a bookshop it's because he kind of is.]

But then I thought- or rather, it was suggested to me- that perhaps some sort of library where people could happily peruse the books would be better. And then I started thinking about things people could do while they read the books, and I figured- who doesn't enjoy a cup of tea and a nice pastry?

[A bright smile! And the little wiggle of happiness that Aziraphale always does when he's talking about his favorite foods.]

But even though I can make a nice cup of tea, thanks to years of practice... I'm no baker! And I'm a bit messy in the kitchen, so that's out of the question. So I was wondering if anyone would like to collaborate in this endeavor? Perhaps you've got some books you've got no use for anymore, or experience shelving them, or know how to bake?

Any help would be welcome, really. [He's not used to taking such big risks without miracles to back him up.]

Comments

[wiggleon]

[Aziraphale hums, the sound of someone who's not really buying it but doesn't want to make the conversation any more uncomfortable than what it already is. Aziraphale isn't stupid, and even if he hasn't known Rich that long he can tell he's... while not lying, also not telling the full truth.

He's just not sure that he wants to actually know said truth.]

Alright. Then would it be all right, if I promised you to never drink enough that I end up acting 'like a different person'?

[firewalled]

[Rich hesitates for a moment, looking guilty and ashamed of himself, but he does nod slowly.]

I mean, you don't have to promise anything to me. I'm not the boss of you or anything, but... it might make me feel a little more comfortable, I guess? It'd be good to not have to avoid you if you were drinking, is all.

[wiggleon]

That's an easy promise to make, dear boy.

[He smiles.] I would rather have your company than get sloshed out of my mind, anyway, that I know for sure.

[firewalled]

[That's... an incredibly touching thing for someone to say to Rich. It actually takes him a moment to respond, because he's just that shaken. Of course there are people that would rather spend time with him than drink, but to have it said out loud...]

It's not as easy for everyone... so I still really appreciate you saying that.

[wiggleon]

[He doesn't feel like he said anything to deserve that reaction, but again, there's a lot of Rich he doesn't really know... so he just reaches for his hand and squeezes it slightly, smiling at him.]

And I do apologize if I made you uncomfortablet talking about drinking.