A Part-Time Book-Keeper

Angel of the Eastern Gate, Heavens field agent, and collector of rare novels.

[astoryofwineandducks]

What do you want for the holidays?

I would very much like my family back.

[dontmakedealswithpeasants-blog]

Heaven knocks, Hell answers

[astoryofwineandducks]

Azi smiled and started to search through his coat pockets for his wallet. “We can go as soon as the bill is paid. Just allow me a moment to see how much I owe for our meals and we will be on our way!"

[dontmakedealswithpeasants-blog]

Dimitri blinked, not seeing the point of paying. Why use a wallet when you could just walk out? True. it often meant engaging with a security guard but he was- had been strong enough. “Yeah., about that.” mumbled Dimitri, glancing at the piles upon piles of plates. “You sure you’re not gonna be broke?”

[astoryofwineandducks]

Blinks at Dimitri for a moment before chuckling softly. "Don't worry dear, one meal isn't going to make me bankrupt." Finding the card he had been looking for in his wallet, Azi waves their server over and hands it to them so that their meals could be paid for.

[dontmakedealswithpeasants-blog]

Heaven knocks, Hell answers

[astoryofwineandducks]

Aziraphale smiled kindly at the uncomfortable demon sitting in front of him. “It’s no trouble, really. But if you would rather do something or go somewhere else, I wouldn’t mind.”

[astoryofwineandducks]

He nodded sagely, for once he was properly listening to the angel’s words. “Yeah, I know.” said Dimitri with a deep set frown as he weighed up his options. If he was going to deal with this world, he’d need a weapon. He wasn’t fooled by the cheerful outdoors or the coldness either. Dark forces were everywhere, he had been everywhere at some point and lived to tell the tales. Yet, as pleasing as the swords were, guilt still entangled his mind. He was supposed to be recovering, wasn’t he? The swords hung in front of his eyes, bloodied and double edged. “When you`re ready?”

[astoryofwineandducks]

Azi smiled and started to search through his coat pockets for his wallet. "We can go as soon as the bill is paid. Just allow me a moment to see how much I owe for our meals and we will be on our way!

[dontmakedealswithpeasants-blog]

Heaven knocks, Hell answers

[astoryofwineandducks]

astoryofwineandducks:

Aziraphale was a little surprised by the answer, having been expecting something a little closer or at least in the same country, but didn’t have the heart to deny such a request. Besides, it wasn’t like London was that far way, right?

"I don’t know of any sword shops personally, but I’m sure with a little looking around we’ll be able to find something. Would you like to head out now, dear?"

[astoryofwineandducks]

"Yeah, might be a small one along the high street." said Dimitri with a little reluctance. It was a stupid idea in the first place and he couldn’t help but feel guilty. Too much damage had been down with those bloodied blades. "Don’t have to could always…" he trailed off and shrugged before going into an uncomfortable silence.

[astoryofwineandducks]

Aziraphale smiled kindly at the uncomfortable demon sitting in front of him. "It's no trouble, really. But if you would rather do something or go somewhere else, I wouldn't mind."

[dontmakedealswithpeasants-blog]

Heaven knocks, Hell answers

[astoryofwineandducks]

dontmakedealswithpeasants:

[astoryofwineandducks]

Azi sighed and figured it wasn’t worth the effort to point out that even though he he didn’t mind sharing his food, he had only offered the demon one of his pancakes and that next time if he wanted more he really should do the polite thing and ask. He wondered if this is what Crowley felt like whenever he decided to finish off his desserts for him…

"Of course dear. Is there anything or anywhere in particular you’re interested in seeing or that you feel you need to pay a visit?"

[astoryofwineandducks]

What he wanted to say was `home`but that would have drawn too much attention to himself. Anyway, wasn’t home just a lace human beings made up tto keep them satisfied? “London.” said Dimitri quickly, it would make his heart ache but he had to go there to see if against all the odds his old flat was there. Maybe he could finally settle this mess all together? “You know if there is any sword shops there?” he added, drumming his fingers impatiently on the table.

[astoryofwineandducks]

Aziraphale was a little surprised by the answer, having been expecting something a little closer or at least in the same country, but didn't have the heart to deny such a request. Besides, it wasn't like London was that far way, right?

"I don't know of any sword shops personally, but I'm sure with a little looking around we'll be able to find something. Would you like to head out now, dear?"

[dontmakedealswithpeasants-blog]

Heaven knocks, Hell answers

[dontmakedealswithpeasants-blog]

astoryofwineandducks:

Gleefully digging into his own meal, Aziraphale couldn’t help but feel as if he was being watched, He glanced over at Dimitri and sure enough, the demon, despite having his own meal in front of him, was staring intensely at his fruit smothered pancakes. “Um… would you like one, dear?” He offered. 

[astoryofwineandducks]

Yeah,” said Dimitri quickly, eyeing the pancakes with a keen eye. They looked delicious and he could afford to be self indulgent, it came with the job. You don’t`t get to be underfed when you’re a field agent. He helped himself to Aziraphale`s pancakes, lifting three large ones and went back to smother them with fruit. Once he was finished with the pancakes, he drummed his fingers on the table. “Oi, Az you gonna show me around this hell hole or what?” He asked reluctantly. If he had his own way he`d be back in London, back in that cramped flat with his mentor and polishing his swords by now.

[astoryofwineandducks]

Azi sighed and figured it wasn't worth the effort to point out that even though he he didn't mind sharing his food, he had only offered the demon one of his pancakes and that next time if he wanted more he really should do the polite thing and ask. He wondered if this is what Crowley felt like whenever he decided to finish off his desserts for him...

"Of course dear. Is there anything or anywhere in particular you're interested in seeing or that you feel you need to pay a visit?"

[dontmakedealswithpeasants-blog]

Heaven knocks, Hell answers

[astoryofwineandducks]

Azi chuckled quietly to himself and allowed the subject change. It wasn’t like it was an incredibly deep or important one anyway. Just light conversation. “That sounds lovely dear. I think i’ll order myself a stack of buttermilk pancakes with a helping of chopped fruit on the side.” He set is menu down and waved a waiter over to take their orders.

[dontmakedealswithpeasants-blog]

Hearing the others order made Dimitri almost silently regret his own choice. It felt like it had been centuries before he was able to taste a decent cooked pancakes with rich fruit to add flavour. He pulled himself together.

He looked at Aziraphale, a scheme hads just began to form in his mind. Aziraphale looked like the person who was generous with their belongings or at least up to a point..,/p> He grinned.

The waiter returned, juggling two plates of food and placed them both on the table. Dinitri began digging in,to his own meal, chomping on each food noisely. Yet his eyes remained focused on the pancakes

[astoryofwineandducks]

Gleefully digging into his own meal, Aziraphale couldn't help but feel as if he was being watched, He glanced over at Dimitri and sure enough, the demon, despite having his own meal in front of him, was staring intensely at his fruit smothered pancakes. "Um... would you like one, dear?" He offered. 

[astoryofwineandducks]

A Story's Progress

[astoryofwineandducks]

Azi smiled at Lewie ruffling his already messy curls and silently accepted the small miracle to keep his book delivery from getting a little too familiar with the sidewalk.

"I was heading to the library to drop these off, but I would be happy to take a small break and join you for a bite to eat, dear!" 

[wingsofprogress]

"Awright!" Lewie swung an arm over Azi’s shoulders (no small feat considering her brother’s height and her own stature) and began leading them towards the diner in question.

"Y’asked how I was doin’," she made conversation as they walked. "Look ‘round you… progress ain’t in no hurry t’slow down. Been more’n plenty t’keep me busy."

She wagered she could have filled the stack of books Aziraphale was carrying if she tried to cover everything she’d gotten up to over the last twenty-odd years. Which was practically business as usual for her.

"How ‘bout you then, eh? All I’ve had t’go on so far’s been whispers an’ titter-tatter."

[astoryofwineandducks]

Aziraphale allowed himself to be lead towards the diner by the smaller angel. "Oh well nothing much lately. Helped stop the End Of Days, hid from Heaven for awhile, moved to New York, started my own little book refurbishing business, and am currently sharing a rather pleasant flat with two demons and a human who used to be a car. So you know, the usual."

[astoryofwineandducks]

A Story's Progress

[astoryofwineandducks]

"I’ve been lovely Lewie dear. Oh we have so much catching up to do." Shifting the books to be held in one arm, Azi gave Lewie a but of a half hug and a friendly peck on the cheek. "What have you been up to for the last couple of years?"

[wingsofprogress]

Lewie accepted the greeting without too much protest, reaching up to ruffle his hair in retaliation. He always had been the huggy, smoochy type.

"Ya bet your khyber we do," she told him with another hearty pat on the back, this time remembering to fire up a small miracle to keep the pile of books her older brother was hauling from making a rapid dash to the pavement.

"Goin’ anywhere ‘n a hurry? Got an hour t’spare an’ there’s a diner tha’ ain’t half-bad ‘round th’ corner."

[astoryofwineandducks]

Azi smiled at Lewie ruffling his already messy curls and silently accepted the small miracle to keep his book delivery from getting a little too familiar with the sidewalk.

"I was heading to the library to drop these off, but I would be happy to take a small break and join you for a bite to eat, dear!" 

[astoryofwineandducks]

A Story's Progress

[astoryofwineandducks]

Aziraphale nearly dropped his pill of books when he unexpectedly heard his name called but luckily was able to avoid such a disaster before looking around to see who had called him. He smiled widely when he recognized whom it was and he quickened his pace to meet up with her. “Lewie dear! How wonderful to see you again!”

[wingsofprogress]

With a few more steps, Lewie reached the other Principality and greeted him with a pat on the back.

"Blimey… ‘s been… what? Twenny years now?" she asked with a grin, looking him up and down.

Hasn’ changed a smidge…

"How ya been?"

[astoryofwineandducks]

"I've been lovely Lewie dear. Oh we have so much catching up to do." Shifting the books to be held in one arm, Azi gave Lewie a but of a half hug and a friendly peck on the cheek. "What have you been up to for the last couple of years?"

[astoryofwineandducks]

A Story's Progress

[astoryofwineandducks]

Azi couldn’t take the bloody heat any longer. Carefully setting down his stack of books for the library, Azi stripped off the sweater that was baking him like an oven (he had a tee shirt on underneath so he was still fully covered, thank goodness) and tied it tightly around his waist before gathering up his books once more and heading on his way, not noticing the faint angelic aura that was quickly approaching.  

[wingsofprogress]

Turning the corner in the direction of the familiar aura, Lewie caught sight of a stack of books with a familiar mop of curly blond hair walking towards her.

I’ll be a Cambion…

“Aziraphale!” she greeted him loudly, picking up the pace towards him with a spring in her steps. “Long time no chitchat, big brother!”

[astoryofwineandducks]

Aziraphale nearly dropped his pill of books when he unexpectedly heard his name called but luckily was able to avoid such a disaster before looking around to see who had called him. He smiled widely when he recognized whom it was and he quickened his pace to meet up with her. "Lewie dear! How wonderful to see you again!"

[astoryofwineandducks]

A Story's Progress

The day was certainly a warm one. Far too warm to be wandering around the city lugging an arm full of of freshly refurbished novels while wearing a warm flower patterned sweater, as Azi quickly discovered after he was already too far from the apartment to turn back and put on some summer appropriate clothing. A sigh escaped him as he continued his struggle down the busy New York streets. He would just have to deal with the unpleasant heat until he got to the library, which hopefully, wouldn’t take much longer to reach if he kept up the pace he was currently going at. Next time he’ll take Crowley’s advice and take a taxi. Far less of a stuggle that way.

[wingsofprogress]

In a nearby workshop, a young-looking girl-shaped being lay on her back underneath a broken down ‘66 Mustang somewhere at the back of a workshop that advertised itself as “Roy’s Spares and Repairs”.

"Drive shaft’s wrecked," she yelled out to the well-dressed client looking awkwardly out of place amidst the collection of parts and tools scattered around the shop. “‘s a miracle you’ve not drove y’self off a bridge yet."

She slid out from underneath the car, face smeared with grease and dirt.

"Go an’ see Jerry by the door, he’ll fix you up with an order for’a new one," he told the customer, who wandered away without so much as a thanks. Posh wanker.

The tingle of a familiar aura she hadn’t felt in a long while (well, not that long, but longer than she was used to, anyway) brushed against the edges of her own.

Can’t be…

"ROY! TAKIN’ MY LUNCH BREAK NOW!" she shouted to a man at the very back of the spacious workshop, wiping her face with a cloth and grabbing her hat, already on her way towards the exit. The man in question, currently engaged in a phone call by the looks of things, waved her off and returned to what seemed to be a rather frustrating conversation.

[astoryofwineandducks]

Azi couldn't take the bloody heat any longer. Carefully setting down his stack of books for the library, Azi stripped off the sweater that was baking him like an oven (he had a tee shirt on underneath so he was still fully covered, thank goodness) and tied it tightly around his waist before gathering up his books once more and heading on his way, not noticing the faint angelic aura that was quickly approaching.  

[astoryofwineandducks]

A Story's Progress

The day was certainly a warm one. Far to warm to be wandering around the city lugging an arm full of of freshly refurbished novels while wearing a warm flower patterned sweater, as Azi quickly discovered after he was already too far from the apartment to turn back and put on some summer appropriate clothing. A sigh escaped him as he continued his struggle down the busy New York streets. He would just have to deal with the unpleasant heat until he got to the library, which hopefully, wouldn't take much longer to reach if he kept up the pace he was currently going at. Next time he'll take Crowley's advice and take a taxi. Far less of a stuggle that way.

[shewasonceanangel]

Can't Put A Price On Love

[astoryofwineandducks]

Azi brought a hand up to play with her hair and smiled softly at the demon. “Now that I have you snuggling up with me? Of course darling.” And he was being honest. Having Ellie wrapped up in his arms always seemed to have a calming effect on the angel, making him feel happy and at peace. 

[shewasonceanangel]

Being wrapped in the Aziraphale’s arms used to have a calming effect on Ellie, but lately it had been doing the exact opposite. Perhaps she ought to try going back to more hands-on temptations? She wasn’t getting quite the workout she was used to getting, and maybe she just had too much excess energy?

She mulled that over for a while and made her body relax, even if her mind wouldn’t. Her limbs went completely limp, her eyes drifted shut, and she let her head loll loosely against his shoulder. She even let her breathing even out, as if in sleep, though her mind refused to let go of her problem.

What to do about her increasing physical attraction? And she would very well need to do something because she couldn’t just jump the poor angel. Her brain whirred away at the issue even as she appeared to be sleeping.

[astoryofwineandducks]

Azi watched her with half lidded eyes as her breathing evened out. He turned his head to place a small kiss to her forehead and nuzzled her cheek. He stilled wished he knew what had been bothering her, but he figured that if he was meant to know then Ellie would tell him when she felt ready. For now, he was just happy to have her near him. He doubted anything would make him happier right now then simply holding Ellie close.

[shewasonceanangel]

Can't Put A Price On Love

[astoryofwineandducks]

Azi saw that Ellie had decided to go for something more comfortable and noted his own wardrobe choice. Well pressed tartan slacks and a nice looking sweater (at least in his opinion) weren’t exactly the best sleeping clothes. With a thought, Azi was changed into a pair of his favorite flannel pajamas and feeling far more comfortable. Lifting up the sheets, he slipped in beside Ellie and wrapped his arms around her, snuggling in close and brushing their noses together. “Feeling a little better?”

[shewasonceanangel]

I’m in a bed with the very being who is causing me to slowly unravel and lose control so no, I’m not feeling better, she thought, but smiled and nodded, then tucked her face into his shoulder and slid her arms around him, pulling herself in close. “Are you?” she asked, slightly muffled by his flannel pyjama top.

[astoryofwineandducks]

Azi brought a hand up to play with her hair and smiled softly at the demon. "Now that I have you snuggling up with me? Of course darling." And he was being honest. Having Ellie wrapped up in his arms always seemed to have a calming effect on the angel, making him feel happy and at peace. 

[shewasonceanangel]

Can't Put A Price On Love

[astoryofwineandducks]

"Of course darling, but only if you do me the honor of using me as your pillow." Azi said with a chuckle. The two of them could use a rest after the day they’ve had (though neither of them actually needed it, but it would still be nice to have.) Hopefully they would both be feeling a whole lot better after a good nights sleep. Pulling away slightly, Azi slipped off the couch and offered to help Ellie up.

[shewasonceanangel]

Ellie smiled and let Aziraphale pull her to her feet. She pointed a finger at their mugs and they vanished (already clean in the drying rack). Then, threading their fingers together, she walked with the angel to his room. It would be lovely to just relax, provided she could actually relax. She wasn’t shy about entering the angel’s room any more and went straight to the bed to crawl under the covers, leaving her shoes behind on the floor next to it. A quick thought and she was in comfortable track pants, tshirt and sweater instead of the clothes she had been wearing out. She snuggled into the pillows and waited for the angel to join her.

[astoryofwineandducks]

Azi saw that Ellie had decided to go for something more comfortable and noted his own wardrobe choice. Well pressed tartan slacks and a nice looking sweater at least in his opinion) weren't exactly the best sleeping clothes. With a thought, Azi was changed into a pair of his favorite flannel pajamas and feeling far more comfortable. Lifting up the sheets, he slipped in besides Ellie and wrapped his arms around her, snuggling in close and brushing their noses together. "Feeling a little better?"

[shewasonceanangel]

Can't Put A Price On Love

[astoryofwineandducks]

Azi felt a small smile tugging at the edge of his lips. What a silly pair they made. Both trying to take they blame for something that wasn’t even a big deal in the first place. Azi just wanted to curl around the sweet demon and hug her until any awkwardness and guilty feelings had passed and they could just go back to being and overly sappy couple.

In fact, he figured he would do just that. Though he thought he should at least ask first.

"Darling, want to go curl up in my room for a bit until we’re both feeling less guilty and far more cuddly again?" 

[shewasonceanangel]

"May I sleep?" she asked. She wasn’t tired, and she didn’t actually need to sleep, but she could pretend and that would give her time (and quiet) to think and try and work out some sort of… system? Something that would help her. Though she suspected she’d just be thinking in little circles, at least for a while, trying to avoid the thoughts that had started all this awkwardness. And having Aziraphale there with her wasn’t going to help, as such, but the alternative was to be alone and she found that she really didn’t want that.

[astoryofwineandducks]

"Of course darling, but only if you do me the honor of using me as your pillow." Azi said with a chuckle. The two of them could use a rest after the day they've had (though neither of them actually needed it, but it would still be nice to have.) Hopefully they would both be feeling a whole lot better after a good nights sleep. Pulling away slightly, Azi slipped off the couch and offered to help Ellie up.