[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.]
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.]