audio / @hello / open

[lunchbreaks]

Hello, um, everyone. This is Aziraphale. I know I haven't met all of you, but I have gotten to know a good number of you as of late, and I've come to like you all a great deal, so it doesn't sit quite right with me not to apologize for recent events.

The sinking of the ferry was inexcusable. Our-- my failure, was a direct result of poor planning and lack of transparency, but I do need all of you to know that the intention had been to find our only way out of Beacon as other methods had been exhausted, and it was always in the plan to make subsequent trips for everyone remaining who wished a return home.

But I know that no amount of good intention will bring it back, nor heal your injuries, nor surface the supplies it was carrying. For all this, I am deeply and terribly sorry; this was, in no way, how I should have repaid all your kindnesses. I understand your anger, and you can direct it at me, if you would like, if you have need of a place to focus your ire.

However, I am afraid, actually, that I must ask a favor. I have, though not for lack of trying, not been able to retrieve much of the sunken raw material - if anyone should lend abilities, magical or otherwise, to help in the rebuilding of the ferry or the docks, you will have my deepest gratitude, for whatever that is worth.

I will try to assist with this as much as I possibly can, and otherwise will be available to assist those who require healing, though my ability to do so has been stunted.

Comments

[sauntered_downward]

I can do it myself.

[Still, he doesn't push Aziraphale away this time.]

[lunchbreaks]

I don't know why you keep insisting on putting weight on this leg.

[sauntered_downward]

Can't exactly fly everywhere I need to go.

[He gets as far as the couch, which he drops down onto heavily. It was a long walk back to the cabin.]

[lunchbreaks]

Well, why not?

I doubt anyone in the town hasn't seen us now.

[sauntered_downward]

I don't think anyone did. [sniff] Except for the human soldier person, I'm sure he saw everything, but he already knows.

[lunchbreaks]

Do you just think everyone is blind? We did get pretty far.

[sauntered_downward]

[Crowley shrugs]

You can tell everyone, if you like. I know you've wanted to.

[lunchbreaks]

You know I don't like to lie when I don't have to.

[ And he's had to all these years, to Heaven. ]

[sauntered_downward]

[Crowley looks up at Aziraphale and gives him a small, fond smile.]

I know.

[lunchbreaks]

Can I carry you to bed? Would you like me to read to you?

[sauntered_downward]

No, just...just give me a minute, I can walk it. I'll just need you to let me lean on you.

[lunchbreaks]

Alright.

[ He also takes a seat on the couch while he waits. ]

[sauntered_downward]

[Crowley sits in silence for a moment, eventually reaching down and putting a hand on his leg.]

This injury is really...stupid.

[lunchbreaks]

Yes, I know. But we're.. dead now. And that makes us almost human.

[ He also hates his injury. ]

[sauntered_downward]

I've never wanted to be human. Their lives are short, quick. I like them, well enough, but I don't want to be one of them.

[lunchbreaks]

No, neither do I. But we don't have another choice.

It's not all bad.

[sauntered_downward]

Can you name one good thing about being this close to being human?

Even one?

[lunchbreaks]

No Heaven to report to.

No Hell, either.

[sauntered_downward]

[Fair point.]

Get to be your friend out in the open.

[lunchbreaks]

That is quite nice.

Haven't had to explain to anyone yet. Or hide from anyone.

[sauntered_downward]

[Crowley reaches over and takes Aziraphale's hand.]

We might age here.

[lunchbreaks]

[ He hadn't thought of that. ]

So... what, do you think we have twenty years left? Thirty?

[sauntered_downward]

If that.

Bodies start breaking down as they age.

[He shudders] I might lose my hair.

[lunchbreaks]

Oh.

[ He reaches out instinctively to touch it. ]

We'll have to take plenty of pictures to remember it by.

[ He won't get to see Crowley grow it out again.

In fact, if they only have twenty or thirty years left-- ]

It's not enough time.

[sauntered_downward]

[Crowley turns to look at Aziraphale when he touches his hair.]

I've had longer naps than twenty or thirty years.

We've had longer rows.