[Rich has had a slightly strained month, in between losing a bond and immediately gaining one. It reminded him, though, how important he felt it was to have those connections, not just to keep him safe, but to keep those he really cares about out of danger.
Aziraphale is one of those particular People Rich Likes Very Much, and come to think of it, he didn't know if Aziraphale ever mentioned bonding to anyone...
Best to check.Just in case.]
hey azira? Have u got a Bond with anyone yet? I would hate to hear u had exploded or something...
I'm afraid I do not have a bond yet. I already had a hard time making meaningful relationships with humans, the added pressure does not make it any easier.
[Yeah, he'll play this game too, just to try to make him a little more comfortable.]
see the reason i asked was because i didnt want u to have to figure out alone and i mean i dont want anything bad to happen to you i understand asking something like this is kinda being presumptuous or maybe a lil smug but do you think i mean i care about you a lot so do you think that counds as a meaningful enough relationship to bond?
just like so you dont explode okay?
[He's seen what an overload of magic looks like in people, and though L's situation is different, very obviously, and he's also way more of a dick than Aziraphale... Rich still doesn't want to see Aziraphale deal with that pressure.]
[Aziraphale hums to himself, taking a minute before he replies. Not because he doesn't want to bond with Rich- if he has to bond with someone, which apparently it's kind of a requirement in this place, he'd rather do it with someone like Rich.
Someone who's always treated with kindness, and teases him while also respect him enough to not make fun of him too much. Someone who's willing to write his texts old school because that's how Aziraphale prefers to do it.]
Dear Rich,
It's not presumptuous, dear boy, you're only making sure I will be all right. I definitely care about you quite a bit, as well, so I'm sure it would be a good bond. But are you sure you won't be overwhelmed with so many bonds?
[Brushing over that one is for sure not happening. Aziraphale frowns as he reads that part- he tries to give Rich his space and to not embarrass him, but he had put two and two together when it came to his feelings for his other bonded. But Aziraphale can be patient, and a text conversation is probably not the best place to ask about that. And since Rich seems so eager to help...]
Dear Rich,
I suppose we could meet and talk about it. I have some new pastries I plan on selling at the shop that I'd like you to try, we can talk about it over pastries and tea if you would like? Whenever you're free.
[Rich was maybe hoping for a more eager response... but Aziraphale still probably has time before anything bad happens, and this is definitely something they need to talk about before jumping into it. Plus, Rich is sure, with Aziraphale's sweet tooth, the pastries will be wonderful to talk over.]
dear aziraphale, i think i can be over in about an hour if thats okay? i was going to make lunch but ill skip it if it means i get sweets :p see you then! rich
[It’s… a combination of Aziraphale having trouble processing his own mortality, Rich definitely being able to do better, and his issues with getting too involved with humanity. It’s a hard habit to shake after 6000 years, and as much as he loves humanity, he was never supposed to become one of them.
And yet, here he is, about to bond with a human that he cares a lot more than what he expected to. But he’ll probably be able to explain all of this better to Rich in person.]
Lunch is an important meal, dear boy. But I understand your eagerness, I can never say no to sweets.
[Excuse you, Aziraphale. Rich can't think of a better person to bond with than his weird angelic parental figure. He cares about him a lot, and Rich can only hope that Aziraphale feels the same as him, and wants to protect the people he cares about.
Rich doesn't bother to give a response, since he has to get ready then and make the trek over. He heads over to the shop he remembers Aziraphale mentioned he was renting out, and he taps on the door before stumbling in.]
[Aziraphale comes over as soon as he hears the door opening, holding a cup of tea on one hand and a tray with some pastries. He always tries to be prepared whenever he's got guests over- and if he's honest, the idea of having 'guests' is still kind of thrilling to him.]
Come over, I have some warm tea that should help with that. Or I could make some cocoa if you'd rather, that always warms me up right away.
[Rich looks happy to be expected, and the fact that Aziraphale already seems to have tea ready for him. Always such a good host. It's touching to Rich, when his friends usually didn't care much for that tradition. Not that he prefers hospitality over just being left to make himself at home, but it does feel nice to be accomodated a bit.]
Tea is perfect. You don't have to go out of your way for me.
[He follows Aziraphale a little bit further into the shop, where it's warmer.]
Oh, nonsense. I just want to give you more reasons to visit more often, truth be told.
[He smiles as he places the tray on a table, motioning at Rich to sit.] Plus, you're about to do something... very big for me, it's the least I can do. Have you given the bonding thing any more thought?
Hey, come on, you're more than enough of a reason.
[Rich sits as requested, and his smile gets wider as Aziraphale brings up the main topic. He's such a fuss, really. Rich is the one who had been thinking about it and had decided on it. Why would he change his mind now?]
I have thought about it. And I've decided I'm not going to change my mind. It'd be a big help for me too... and I know it's something you're getting used to hearing, but I think you're important enough to make that choice easy.
[Azirahale reaches for Rich’s hand. He’s not a physical contact kind of guy, but Rich is a lovely kid who’s about to do something… really damn big for Aziraphale and this seemed like the most simple way to show his affection.]
Oh, I hope you know I appreciate that, Rich, very much so. And if you’re sure about this it will not just be something I’d do to avoid a lot of pain and suffering- I’d do it because I trust you, I care about you and I like the fact that we’ve grown that close. If I must do a bond with a human, I am glad it is with someone as nice and selfless as you, dear boy.
But I just want you to realize that you could do better if you so wanted. And that I… I have- [An awkward chuckle as he takes his hand back to nervously play with his ring.] I have issues. A lot of them, in fact. And I am not sure how that will translate into a bond.
[Rich, for his part, is very much in need of physical contact and comfort, so what probably seems uncomfortable to Aziraphale is intensely reassuring to him. It only cements in his mind that he's making the right choice.]
Well, I'm glad. Because I'm not just doing it for that. You're really... special, even if you don't often think that about yourself. You're kind of... like, okay, this is gonna sound cheesy and stupid, but I do kind of think of you like family? It's... a little scary, because things are tough with my real family. So I'm kind of surprised it came to this.
[He hesitates then, shaking his head with his own wry grin.] I mean, I guess that at least lets you know I might be as messed up as you are. And that better isn't something I'm worried about. You're... the one I want to be Bonded to, and that's all there is to it, okay?
[Aziraphale chuckles, both out of amusement and out of pure... anxiety. He wasn't even supposed to get close to any humans, was supposed to be around but also be all but invisible to them. And yet here he is, about to get into a Bond with a kid, a Bond that will allow said kid to get a sense of Aziraphale's feelings- get a sense of how fucked up he really is.
But he's made a decision. This is, honestly, the perfect answer, Rich is the perfect person to Bond himself with, and he cares so much about the little guy. He's definitely not letting his own insecurities keep him from making the right choice.]
I've never had a family, Rich. She is the closest I have to a Father, I suppose, but that's different.
I am... beyond honored, that you would think about me that way, because I think of you that way as well. And what best person to create a bond with, than family? So I'm... [He takes a deep breath, full of emotion.] I am in, if you are.
[Rich, for his part, is very tired of doing whatever he's supposed to do. He very much understands the anxiety of stepping out, but he also knows people have judged him for doing the right thing before, so he's not going to let that stop him.
He might be judged for this too, but helping someone is far more important, as is being around someone who isn't going to doubt him and who he can rely on.]
Well, you can have a family now, right? Nothing stopping you.
[He gives a wider grin, despite the lump in his throat.]
What are we waiting for, then? Do you want to go now, or... guess I could see if we can go tomorrow?
I would like to have time to prepare, of course… but I am also afraid I will get cold feet if I don’t do it soon. Not- [An awkward chuckle, realizing that may have come out wrong.] Not because I will regret once it’s done, dear. I am positive now that I know that you want it as well that this is the best choice I could made, the best outcome for both of us.
But because, as you may have been able to tell already, I tend to get… a little nervous before making big decisions. And this is definitely one. So perhaps we could make the bond first, let me have a private little freak out about it later?
[Rich gives Aziraphale a warm, surprisingly patient grin. Usually he's far more eager than this, but he knows Aziraphale needs him to not be as pushy right now.]
I think it's the best choice too. But I understand being a little nervous about it. I was really nervous the first time around... I mean, no matter what, it seems really important here, so I don't want to mess up.
I think we can head over there now... and I'll give you space once it's done, okay?
[Just as long as Aziraphale doesn't push him out like Jeremy did...]
[He does have a tendency to push people out when he gets a little overwhelmed. And back home he'd literally just come to terms with walking away from heaven, making his own little team, creating their own little side... so he's definitely still not used to getting close to people, or humanity in general. It will take a lot more time to get used to it.
But this is the right thing, he knows it's the best thing for both of them. And so, while he may need a moment to stop himself from freaking out, he will work hard to make sure his new Bonded doesn't feel ignored.]
Let's go then. Let me- let me get something for you to eat, on the way? [Food = love, obviously.]
[Marie left a plate of homemade macaroons at Aziraphale’s doorstep - she is getting better and better at this! She was looking around the market for a book that might interest him but as she has no experience in that field, she settled for a small package of a special blend of tea. Happy Modranicht!]
[Sharpshot delivers a package in the early morning, pushing on valiantly despite the obvious weight of it. It's rectangular in shape and wrapped simply in brown paper, tied with string. The little dragon is remarkably well-behaved and proud of himself as he drops it off personally with Aziraphale.
The note on top reads, in Hiccup's blocky, bold handwriting (in Norse, just so Aziraphale gets the chance to translate it):
"Well wishes for Modranicht, Happy Snoggletog, and Merry Christmas! Just a little something for your collection. I hope you enjoy it!
- Hiccup"
Inside is a heavy book, hand-bound in leather and stamped on the front with the title (Tales from the Isle of Berk and the Hairy Hooligans Tribe), and the symbol of a curled Night Fury that Hiccup wears in multiple places on his clothing. The pages are full of stories from both Hiccup's childhood, his tribe, and his own life, along with charcoal illustrations of vikings and dragons. Every line is written both in Norse and in the common written language here, one on top of the other.]
[carefully tucked into the mailslot of the bookstore is a thin package, wrapped in paper. opening it reveals a dark case, and a silver fountain pen nestled inside.
there is no indication of the sender, nor of where it was procured.]
Yes, I was indeed a diplomat in Dorchacht before we decided to do our best to help them out. I mostly did research in their libraries and then tried to save as many kids as I could, but I will for sure let you know what I saw if you'd like.
You can come to the cafe and we can discuss over some tea, if you like.
[He walks over after handing someone the pastry they had ordered with a smile, sitting in front of Marie.] I may have to leave if it gets busy, though. Will you be alright talking here?
It’s fine with me, unless it would be your decision to move it to somewhere more private? I also do not mind waiting. I am the one who asked, after all.
[She looks around]
Though I have to admit, this place has become quite lovely!
[He chuckles, looking around with the glint of pride in his eyes.]
I'm glad you think so. Truth is, I only wanted to create a small space where I could keep my books, but with people's help it's grown into something much more wonderful than I could have imagined. Feel free to visit any time, dear, and take a good look.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
text; assumedly backdated to sometime in November
Aziraphale is one of those particular People Rich Likes Very Much, and come to think of it, he didn't know if Aziraphale ever mentioned bonding to anyone...
Best to check.Just in case.]
hey azira?
Have u got a Bond with anyone yet?
I would hate to hear u had exploded or something...
text;
I'm afraid I do not have a bond yet. I already had a hard time making meaningful relationships with humans, the added pressure does not make it any easier.
But I'll figure it out eventually, I promise.
- Aziraphale
text;
dear aziraphale[Yeah, he'll play this game too, just to try to make him a little more comfortable.]
see the reason i asked was because i didnt want u to have to figure out alone
and i mean i dont want anything bad to happen to you
i understand asking something like this is kinda being presumptuous or maybe a lil smug
but do you think
i mean i care about you a lot so do you think that counds as a meaningful enough relationship to bond?
just like so you dont explode okay?
[He's seen what an overload of magic looks like in people, and though L's situation is different, very obviously, and he's also way more of a dick than Aziraphale... Rich still doesn't want to see Aziraphale deal with that pressure.]
text;
Someone who's always treated with kindness, and teases him while also respect him enough to not make fun of him too much. Someone who's willing to write his texts old school because that's how Aziraphale prefers to do it.]
Dear Rich,
It's not presumptuous, dear boy, you're only making sure I will be all right. I definitely care about you quite a bit, as well, so I'm sure it would be a good bond. But are you sure you won't be overwhelmed with so many bonds?
text;
dear aziraphale
i wouldnt worry too much about me
i only have the bond with jeremy now since justine left
[Just brushing over that one.]
and jeres easy to handlebesides me getting overwhelmed is still a lot safer than whatever could happen to you.
sorry, never got this notif!
Dear Rich,
I suppose we could meet and talk about it. I have some new pastries I plan on selling at the shop that I'd like you to try, we can talk about it over pastries and tea if you would like? Whenever you're free.
- Aziraphale
No worries!
dear aziraphale,
i think i can be over in about an hour if thats okay?
i was going to make lunch but ill skip it if it means i get sweets :p
see you then!
rich
no subject
And yet, here he is, about to bond with a human that he cares a lot more than what he expected to. But he’ll probably be able to explain all of this better to Rich in person.]
Lunch is an important meal, dear boy. But I understand your eagerness, I can never say no to sweets.
I’ll be waiting for you then.
no subject
Rich doesn't bother to give a response, since he has to get ready then and make the trek over. He heads over to the shop he remembers Aziraphale mentioned he was renting out, and he taps on the door before stumbling in.]
Ahhh, it's freezing out there!
[He's a dragon. He's always cold.]
no subject
[Aziraphale comes over as soon as he hears the door opening, holding a cup of tea on one hand and a tray with some pastries. He always tries to be prepared whenever he's got guests over- and if he's honest, the idea of having 'guests' is still kind of thrilling to him.]
Come over, I have some warm tea that should help with that. Or I could make some cocoa if you'd rather, that always warms me up right away.
no subject
Tea is perfect. You don't have to go out of your way for me.
[He follows Aziraphale a little bit further into the shop, where it's warmer.]
no subject
[He smiles as he places the tray on a table, motioning at Rich to sit.] Plus, you're about to do something... very big for me, it's the least I can do. Have you given the bonding thing any more thought?
no subject
[Rich sits as requested, and his smile gets wider as Aziraphale brings up the main topic. He's such a fuss, really. Rich is the one who had been thinking about it and had decided on it. Why would he change his mind now?]
I have thought about it. And I've decided I'm not going to change my mind. It'd be a big help for me too... and I know it's something you're getting used to hearing, but I think you're important enough to make that choice easy.
no subject
Oh, I hope you know I appreciate that, Rich, very much so. And if you’re sure about this it will not just be something I’d do to avoid a lot of pain and suffering- I’d do it because I trust you, I care about you and I like the fact that we’ve grown that close. If I must do a bond with a human, I am glad it is with someone as nice and selfless as you, dear boy.
But I just want you to realize that you could do better if you so wanted. And that I… I have- [An awkward chuckle as he takes his hand back to nervously play with his ring.] I have issues. A lot of them, in fact. And I am not sure how that will translate into a bond.
no subject
Well, I'm glad. Because I'm not just doing it for that. You're really... special, even if you don't often think that about yourself. You're kind of... like, okay, this is gonna sound cheesy and stupid, but I do kind of think of you like family? It's... a little scary, because things are tough with my real family. So I'm kind of surprised it came to this.
[He hesitates then, shaking his head with his own wry grin.] I mean, I guess that at least lets you know I might be as messed up as you are. And that better isn't something I'm worried about. You're... the one I want to be Bonded to, and that's all there is to it, okay?
no subject
But he's made a decision. This is, honestly, the perfect answer, Rich is the perfect person to Bond himself with, and he cares so much about the little guy. He's definitely not letting his own insecurities keep him from making the right choice.]
I've never had a family, Rich. She is the closest I have to a Father, I suppose, but that's different.
I am... beyond honored, that you would think about me that way, because I think of you that way as well. And what best person to create a bond with, than family? So I'm... [He takes a deep breath, full of emotion.] I am in, if you are.
no subject
He might be judged for this too, but helping someone is far more important, as is being around someone who isn't going to doubt him and who he can rely on.]
Well, you can have a family now, right? Nothing stopping you.
[He gives a wider grin, despite the lump in his throat.]
What are we waiting for, then? Do you want to go now, or... guess I could see if we can go tomorrow?
no subject
I would like to have time to prepare, of course… but I am also afraid I will get cold feet if I don’t do it soon. Not- [An awkward chuckle, realizing that may have come out wrong.] Not because I will regret once it’s done, dear. I am positive now that I know that you want it as well that this is the best choice I could made, the best outcome for both of us.
But because, as you may have been able to tell already, I tend to get… a little nervous before making big decisions. And this is definitely one. So perhaps we could make the bond first, let me have a private little freak out about it later?
no subject
I think it's the best choice too. But I understand being a little nervous about it. I was really nervous the first time around... I mean, no matter what, it seems really important here, so I don't want to mess up.
I think we can head over there now... and I'll give you space once it's done, okay?
[Just as long as Aziraphale doesn't push him out like Jeremy did...]
no subject
But this is the right thing, he knows it's the best thing for both of them. And so, while he may need a moment to stop himself from freaking out, he will work hard to make sure his new Bonded doesn't feel ignored.]
Let's go then. Let me- let me get something for you to eat, on the way? [Food = love, obviously.]
modranicht gift
backdated to modranicht
The note on top reads, in Hiccup's blocky, bold handwriting (in Norse, just so Aziraphale gets the chance to translate it):
"Well wishes for Modranicht, Happy Snoggletog, and Merry Christmas! Just a little something for your collection. I hope you enjoy it!
- Hiccup"
Inside is a heavy book, hand-bound in leather and stamped on the front with the title (Tales from the Isle of Berk and the Hairy Hooligans Tribe), and the symbol of a curled Night Fury that Hiccup wears in multiple places on his clothing. The pages are full of stories from both Hiccup's childhood, his tribe, and his own life, along with charcoal illustrations of vikings and dragons. Every line is written both in Norse and in the common written language here, one on top of the other.]
12/24
there is no indication of the sender, nor of where it was procured.]
12/25
In the cup, there is a note. The note reads:]
When you drink from this cup, it will fill you with determination. Use it wisely.
12/25
text
Aziraphale... You were there before, right? Could you tell me more about your experience? In Dorchacht.
[After a while she sends another]
I think I am missing some crucial details from what I was told
but I can handle it, really!
no subject
Yes, I was indeed a diplomat in Dorchacht before we decided to do our best to help them out. I mostly did research in their libraries and then tried to save as many kids as I could, but I will for sure let you know what I saw if you'd like.
You can come to the cafe and we can discuss over some tea, if you like.
- Aziraphale.
text -> action
[Marie sends this text to Aziraphale and in half a hour, she is already in his cafe, waving to him from behind a table]
Hello! Is this a good moment, Aziraphale? I can wait a bit if you are busy now!
no subject
[He walks over after handing someone the pastry they had ordered with a smile, sitting in front of Marie.] I may have to leave if it gets busy, though. Will you be alright talking here?
no subject
[She looks around]
Though I have to admit, this place has become quite lovely!
no subject
I'm glad you think so. Truth is, I only wanted to create a small space where I could keep my books, but with people's help it's grown into something much more wonderful than I could have imagined. Feel free to visit any time, dear, and take a good look.
But what is it you wanted to know, then?