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

[lunchbreaks]

It does matter to me if you think you're going to do something both bullheaded and idiotic like go off and live by yourself in the woods!

[sauntered_downward]

Oh? Oh---do you think there's some reason I'd suddenly want to go off and live in the woods, angel?

[lunchbreaks]

Yes, because you can't own up to the fact that we made an attempt and it didn't go as planned! But I can!

I didn't even mention you at all, so will you please just come back and stop putting weight on your leg?

[sauntered_downward]

Well, we can't miss an opportunity to ask for forgiveness, now, can we? Wouldn't feel at all like home if you didn't!

[Crowley turns around and tries to storm off, which looks absolutely pathetic considering his leg and how slowly he has to move in order to get anywhere. He still doesn't have a crutch.]

[lunchbreaks]

[ Aziraphale is stalking after him, which takes zero effort. He's no Gabriel. ]

I didn't ask for forgiveness, Crowley. This wasn't about me, this was about everyone!

I am picking you up. Don't struggle.

[ This is a warning. ]

[sauntered_downward]

[That does cause Crowley to stop, but he doesn't turn around.]

I don't want your help, angel.

[lunchbreaks]

That's absolutely too bad, you ruinous old snake. Now stay still.

[ Because he doesn't want to hurt Crowley more. ]

Do you really need me to do this, or will you just lean against me?

[sauntered_downward]

[Crowley takes a breath, glances around, and then lets his wings outstretch. He can't outwalk Aziraphale, but maybe he can outfly him]

Don't wait up.

[lunchbreaks]

Oh. You don't want anyone to know you're a demon, but flying around in public is fine?

[ He whips out his wings. Two can plat at this petty-ass game. ]

[sauntered_downward]

Better get back to the tablet. You've got an apology you'll need to respond to.

[He takes off. He doesn't fly farther than he can see, so he doesn't go high or far, just shooting himself through the trees, where the light shines from lanterns and the bonfire.]

[lunchbreaks]

You are absolutely ridiculous. You come back here at once!

[ More desperately, he tries: ]

--You said you wouldn't leave! You are a liar and a cheat!

[sauntered_downward]

[Crowley doesn't go far. Just about as far as his temper will allow him, which is over to the beach where the dock was. Failed plans all around again. He folds up his wings and drops down to the ground to get pressure off his leg.

He looks at his tablet again.]

"Direct result of poor planning and lack of transparency."

Fucking ridiculous.

[lunchbreaks]

[ He's lost Aziraphale somewhere on the way, and looking around and finding that he hasn't seen where Crowley's gone off to, he goes back home, to wait, and sulk. ]

[sauntered_downward]

[Crowley stays away for a little over 12 hours. He would probably stay away longer----and he has before, for whole decades, during fights they've had---but hunger and exhaustion eventually overtake him. He limps back to the cabin feeling defeated. He can't even have a proper sulk like this.

He hates being dead.

He opens the door to the cabin.]

[lunchbreaks]

[ Aziraphale comes to the door with a cup of tea. ]

Are we talking or aren't we?

[sauntered_downward]

Do I have to apologize if we are?

[lunchbreaks]

No, but you must stop being angry at me for having done so.

[sauntered_downward]

[Crowley lets out a sigh through his nose]

It's not your job to apologize for me, angel. This wasn't your fault----I think everyone on your post said that, as well.

[lunchbreaks]

First of all, not everyone. Several people were indeed angry, and they have every right to be, of course.

Second of all, no. I apologized for me, I apologized because it was the right thing to do, to start making amends. People were hurt. Things were destroyed.

I can't take it back, but I can move forward.

[sauntered_downward]

[Crowley deflates.]

No, and you wouldn't take it back, either.

Always doing the right thing, you.

[lunchbreaks]

So. Will you come inside, then?

[sauntered_downward]

[he leans against the doorframe and gets himself up to limp inside. He starts for the stairs.]

I'm going to bed.

[lunchbreaks]

[ Aziraphale goes over to capture him and act as his crutch. ]

Alright. Let me get you to bed.

[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.