nexus_crossings | Young Dogs, New Tricks

Young Dogs, New Tricks

Ben's in the Plaza this time - still wearing all black, even now that it's summer. He doesn't seem too bothered by the heat, though he brushes sweat off his brow and occasionally takes a drink of cool water from the flask at his side. In this weather, it doesn't pay to take chances with the heat.

But even though his appearance is dark, in other ways he's uncharacteristically cheery. There's a grin on his features as he stands beside a pile of home-drawn sketches, of landscapes and creatures he observed in the Wilds. Even his voice sounds more excited than usual. Ben Solo is visibly happy. And smiling. There's a brightness in his hazel eyes that wasn't there before now.

He won't say what it is to a stranger, but something happened recently involving two people close to him and a "borrowed" PINpoint that put him in a very good mood. He's here for business as well as pleasure, though. Prices are listed beside the samples - he's here to hawk art as well as chat. While most of his earnings come from his repair business, his sketches don't do badly. It took practice, but he reapplied his knowledge of calligraphy and an eye for detail. Art's the quiet, restful hobby he's been looking for.

After he's finished setting up his stall and equipment, he stands beside it with his arms folded, watching the crowd. When someone approaches him, he poses a question.

"What hobbies do you have in the Nexus, or things that help you relax?" He's taking notes from any answers he receives. No harm in trying something new. "Anything you've learned to do here that you couldn't try back home?"

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Ben can't help but look a little greedily at the milk tea once he sees it. Water's fine, but he has a soft spot for tea. "Thank you." He greets the stranger, offering a hand. "My name is Ben. I don't think we've met before - I've been around since last winter. To answer your question though, yes, it's a hobby I picked up here;"

It's not always easy to tell Nexus standbys from new arrivals, seeing as the population is always shifting and changing.

"Oh, I had to learn cooking, too. I live near the industrial area by myself, in an apartment, so I don't get or see visitors very often. It's rewarding, if also a necessity. I can't eat at restaurants all of the time, no matter how tasty Limbo burgers are." Ben lounges in the chair he picked, getting himself comfortable as he settles. "I also have a weakness for the muffins at the Crossroads Cafe. They're delicious."

Aziraphale shakes the offered hand, a polite smile on his face. "Nice to meet you, Ben. No, I don't believe we've met before, either." The young man cuts quite a distinct figure, especially dressed all in black. "My name's Aziraphale. I've been visiting the Nexus off and on for about a year now."

He takes another sip of his bubble tea, gaze lingering on one of the landscapes. It might be nice to pick up a piece of art for the flat above the bookshop, but far be it from the angel to not engage in a bit of small talk first. His smile turns amused at the mention of a Limbo burger. "I'm fond of Lord of the Fries, as well, although I'm partial to the Chocolate Judgement Day cake." Bit of an inside joke, and the cake itself is very good. "The muffins at Crossroads Cafe are quite good, too. Have you been to the Viper's Pit? That's my personal favorite for brunch."

Talking about food, especially where to get good food, always comes easily for Aziraphale. "Baking was close to a necessity for me, the first time. It was during the Blitz -- ah, a period of wartime. Most of the bakeries I patronized were closed, so I decided to give it a whirl. Turns out I have a knack for it."

"I can't say I have a knack for it, but it's always good to know how to make your own food. At the very least I can make meals without setting my apartment on fire. It's a start. But it does seem Lord of the Fries is popular here. Can't say I'm surprised, since their meat is the best."

It takes a certain amount of dedication to an Aesthetic to keep the all-black ensemble in summer. If Ben's bothered by the extra heat, he isn't really showing it much. He studies the newcomer, curious, considering his words as he talks. While he's usually wary of strangers, this one's winning him over.

"Yes, I know about the Viper's Pit. As a matter of fact, I'm a regular there. Sometimes I come for the drinks, sometimes I come for the excitement." Ben notices the smile, and gives a small one of his own. "You have good taste. Can't say I've tried much cake, or chocolate for that matter, but the Cafe's muffins are delicious. You can't go wrong with them. But I wouldn't mind sampling your baking one of these days. In fact, I have an idea you may like, if you're interested in hearing it. I saw the way you were looking at my art."

"Generally speaking, I prefer to leave cooking to the professionals, but there are times when it's more pleasant to cook at home." Like when a certain demon would rather laze about on a Sunday morning than go out for breakfast. Not that Aziraphale needs to eat breakfast in the first place, but it's the little human rituals he's picked up that make life on Earth so satisfying.

Regardless, he gives Ben an encouraging smile and adds, "The more you practice, the better you'll be at it, and the results will be even more rewarding. It sounds like you're well on your way."

He takes another sip of bubble tea, listening pleasantly to Ben's experience with culinary establishments in the Nexus. "Oh?" he asks curiously, in regards to the young man's idea. "Well, I'm all ears, dear fellow. Please continue."

"I learned calligraphy a long time ago in my home universe. It was easy to reapply the skills needed for that into artwork, and I discovered I like it. It's a useful hobby for someone like me, and it gives me a reason to explore the Wilds a little."

Really, he needed a relaxing hobby for several different reasons. Prize fights at the Viper's Pit are a good way to work out lingering aggression, but he wanted something that would help calm him down and reconnect with his past in a healthy way.

"Ah. Yes. My idea. I think we could help each other." Ben clears his throat and explains further. "Instead of money, I'd be happy to accept some of your baked goods in exchange for my artwork as alternative payment. I do well enough from my main job that money isn't an issue for me - this is simply something I do on the side, to earn a little extra, and I can see you have an eye for art."

"Calligraphy," the angel sighs. "That's practically a lost art form where I'm from. You must have a steady hand, if these sketches are any indication. I do hope you're careful during your explorations of the Wilds. I'm told it can be rather dangerous there."

As Ben relays his idea, Aziraphale has to suppress a grin. Money is not an issue for him and he was fully prepared to pay with currency of Ben's choosing, but the offer charms him. "I'll take your deal, my good man. What shall I bake for you in return for... oh, that drawing, there?"

He points to a sketch of a forest clearing. Ben has captured the mysterious mood of the scene -- it reminds Aziraphale a bit of Wessex, when large swaths of forest were still left untouched.

"I never venture too far in, and I stay well clear of the neighbors. Don't want any trouble with them." Ben can be overconfident, but even he knows better than to tangle with the House of Winter. "The Wilds are dangerous, you're right, but I can take care of myself."

He nods in approval when Aziraphale agrees to his plan. He's grown to like pastries thanks to Lucifer and his cheesecakes, and he's interested in sampling something else. Aziraphale's offer is generous, so he quickly says yes before turning back to the art.

Ben takes out the forest sketch to give Aziraphale a better look. "Ah. That's one of my own favorites - you have good taste. How about..." Ben considers the offer carefully. "What do you say I trade this sketch for a few days' worth of muffins? Does that sound fair? And if you buy from me in the future, we van keep that arrangement."

Aziraphale has no reason to doubt Ben's self-assessment, so the man's confident reply is assurance enough for him. "I haven't spent much time in the Wilds," he admits. "I've gotten a bit too used to city life, although I do love nature."

He looks over the sketch, catching details that he missed the first time around. His smile softens and he nods approvingly. "Yes, it's very good. You've really captured the spirit of the forest... metaphorically speaking, of course." He laughs a little at his own joke. One never knows around here.

When Ben uses the A-word, Aziraphale coughs a little on his bubble tea. He'll always have a bit of a Pavlovian response to that word, unfortunately. "Er, yes. Jolly good. What sort of muffins would you prefer? Any flavors I should avoid?" He's already thinking of a few recipes in his collection, but doesn't want to get ahead of himself.

"The Wilds certainly aren't for everyone. I know some of the angels spend time there, but obviously they can handle themselves. I've met most of them by now - they're overall friendly, as I understand, which I'm glad of considering how powerful they are. One of my good friends here was almost killed and eaten by a fallen angel, so I'm aware not all of them are pleasant company."

He can't help but appreciate the praise for the forest drawing. He was especially proud of that one when he made it. He's almost sorry to art with it, but it sounds as if it'll be going to somebody who will appreciate the piece. He's all right with that.

"Muffins. Hm. There isn't really anything I wouldn't eat, if that's what you mean. I'm partial to standard blueberry muffins, as well as chocolate chip. Those are probably my favorites." Ben looks over the picture, sizing it up. It wouldn't be hard to store and carry at all. "And how would you like this piece delivered, so it reaches you safely? Would you rather take it now or I bring it to you later as part of our deal?"

Aziraphale's pleasant smile dissolves at the mention of a cannibalistic angel. "Oh, that must have been Moloch," he says with a sigh and roll of his eyes. "Terribly sorry about that, he's under a curse, although that's no certainly no excuse. Would you like me to say something to him? Which friend of yours was this, if I may ask?"

It really isn't his business, of course, but he's grown... well, fond is not the right word, but he can't think of a better one. He thinks that Moloch has been dealt a terrible hand, and with the right sort of encouragement, could become more than his curse dictates. But he won't get very far if he's attacking Nexus denizens.

"I suppose I ought to inform you that I am also an angel, not of the fallen variety, and not from Lucifer's world," he adds, his smile returning. "You can set it aside and I'll take it once I've made the muffins. Shall we exchange contact information so I know where to bring them?"

"That's the one. The person who was attacked was Sir Galahad, but I was assured the situation was dealt with by the other angels. I think it would be best if I stayed out of Moloch's way. He has to eat intelligent animals under the curse's terms, I'm guessing - so a quick trip to Lord of the Fries or the butcher's shop wouldn't do."

Ben sighs. He's not sure where the curse ends or begins, or how much of an excuse it is for Moloch's behavior. His own evil actions were committed under his free will, so he's not sure he is in any position to judge, even if the idea of being preyed on makes him instinctively queasy.

"You're an angel, too? You're the first I've met who isn't from Lucifer's group. He told me that the celestial angels from his universe are unpleasant, so I'm guessing your world's different in that respect." Ben rummages for his PINpoint, offering it to the angel. "And I wouldn't mind if we swapped information at all. I live downtown, near the industrial area."

Aziraphale shuts his eyes briefly at that, pinching the bridge of his nose as if trying to ward off a headache. "It's a little more complicated than that," he murmurs wearily. "But yes, I imagine that situation has been resolved. Lucifer does his best to keep Moloch's darkest impulses under control."

He drops his hand, smoothing out his expression. No need to saddle Ben with celestial drama. "Well -- hmm. I would not necessarily call my fellow angels unpleasant. Dogmatic, perhaps. A bit too paternalistic towards humans. And a few can be a little heavy-handed when it comes to smiting. But the celestial angels on Lucifer's world, at least as he describes them to me, are far more rigid and controlling. I'm, ah, semi-retired, actually, due to some philosophical differences with Heaven."

Aziraphale sets down his bubble tea (now mostly ice and a few stray pearls) so that he can pull out his own PINpoint. He enters his contact information into Ben's PINpoint and then hands it back with is own so that Ben can do the same. "Oh, splendid. I can come by tomorrow, if that's all right with you."

"I try and avoid Moloch," Ben admits, "so I don't know the details of his curse. I'm afraid I'd find myself on the menu. But I would assume the other angels have their reasons for letting him come here. I was told that the best thing to do if I meet him is to be brave, and not seem like prey."

He considers the description of celestial angels. "That was the impression he gave me. That, and there's a good number of them that think humanity ought to be wiped out on principle." Ben gives Aziraphale a knowing look. "You know, there's a certain benefit to being on neither side in an ideological debate. That's a lesson I learned, too." He puts in his address for Aziraphale.

"It'll be a pleasure to do business with you. I'll have the sketch properly wrapped and sealed for you. My deal's open for any drawings you might like in the future, too. Pastries for art."

"That's unfortunately a possibility," Aziraphale replies. "And yes, Lucifer has his reasons. A healthy respect for what Moloch is capable of is the best way to approach him." And a calm, unflagging optimism in Aziraphale's case.

Ben's observation makes Aziraphale wince a bit and worry his lip. "On my world, both the angels and the fallen were itching for a rematch, and Earth unfortunately would have been caught in the middle, but I wouldn't call it maliciousness, per se..." That would imply that Gabriel and the others actually thought about humans as anything other than points in a long-standing competition for souls. "Angels love humans, but only in a vague, general sort of way. I can't speak to the angels in Lucifer's world, I'm not personally inclined to meet any of them."

With a small huff, he retrieves his bubble tea, then tugs down the hem of his waistcoat. "And how did you learn that lesson, Ben? I imagine you learned it a lot faster than I did." His smile returns and he adds, "A fair trade indeed." He'll throw in a little blessing, too, as he often does with merchants and shopkeepers.

"I've met a few of them. There's Lucifer himself, of course. I've talked to Belial, and I'm a good friend of Lord Beelzebub and Sir Galahad. There are so many fallen angels that it's difficult to keep them straight. I know there are more I haven't met yet."

Ben listens to Aziraphale's description of the war between Heaven and Hell curiously. "Not as fast as I should have." His expression flickers with guilt, and his eyes look down for a few moments. It's clear he did things in his home world that he's not proud of at all. "But mistakes, even very serious mistakes, can be learned from. I'm human, of course, not an angel. Your people live so much longer than we do. I imagine immortals and mortals see the world differently. More time to learn, and more experiences."

He knows that there are other immortals in the Nexus: gods, other angels, and the seasonal spirits. He's met a fair few even in his relatively recent time here. It's been an interesting experience, even if some of them unsettle him.

"I haven't met any of the celestial angels," Aziraphale clarifies. "I've met most of Lucifer's Court. Belial is a good angel to know, he's very responsible." The most responsible one of the lot, in Aziraphale's opinion. "Beelzebub is a handful, but I cherish his friendship a great deal. We have a Beelzebub back home, you know. They aren't nearly so affable."

Oh, that's some guilt right here. Aziraphale tilts his head curiously, wondering if the young man has also been through a war. He gives Ben a compassionate smile. "One can also say that immortals have many more years to become entrenched in their beliefs. I've always admired how humans are able to adapt, admit where they've been wrong and change their behaviors accordingly. Living longer does not necessarily make one wiser."

"I imagine if you're immortal, there's more time to become set in your ways. I'm only thirty, but I've met people here anywhere from thousands of years old to billions. People like Lucifer and Reynard, and now you. By that standard, I'm very young." Belial is one of the angels Ben likes the most, but he's also close to Beelzebub. "The one here's rough around the edges, like me. But we've been training. I've never studied under an angel before."

Ben nods in response to Aziraphale's smile, giving a smaller one of his own. "I've met people here who've made similar mistakes. It's not pleasant to see. But I'm willing to talk to people about my past, if it will help them. I believe people can change, I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't, but they have to be in the right place first. Angry, bitter people are not good listeners."

"I'm only in my thousands," Aziraphale says, as if that isn't much time at all. "But it is possible for an old dog to learn new tricks. I've had the benefit of living among humans all this time, that helps. Are you a warrior, Ben? Is that why Beelzebub is teaching you?"

The angel makes a small sound of agreement, absently fidgeting with the straw of his bubble tea. "It can take an awful lot to get through to someone. Patience is good, if you can afford it. I know that I was very stubborn about some of my beliefs... in denial, one might even say. I was very fortunate to have a dear friend who stuck by me all those years, offering up a counter point of view, but never pushing me too hard. Is that how it was for you?"

"I am, though there isn't much fighting to be had here. I think that's for the best. I've visited other worlds, though, and killed monsters who would prey on people. Using my skills to do what good I can. If there's ever battle in the Nexus, I'll be ready for it." As ready as one can be in such an unpredictable place.

He considers Aziraphale's question, then slowly answers. "Yes. There was a person like that in my life. She told me no when it was what I needed to hear, though I didn't realize that at the time. It took me far longer than it should have, I was in a terrible place for a very long time, but she got through to me in the end. Her and my parents." It was all of them together, he knows. Rey, Han, and Leia.

"No, this place is rather peaceful, overall. But I'm glad there are people prepared to defend it, just in case."

Aziraphale smiles softly at the admission. "We're not always able to hear what others tell us, in the moment. What matters is that you did listen, eventually, and presumably some good came of it."

"I would imagine the anti-violence field helps with that," Ben says, "but it's gone down before. That's why I don't want to get too dependent on it."

Ben has told Aziraphale more than he tells most people, but he's decided he trusts the angel. "We had to fight someone very dangerous and powerful together, and while we won it took all we had. While I was badly hurt she was dying. I decided to give her my life so she could make it back home to her friends. So I died, and woke up again in this place."

"Yes, I've been warned about that. It doesn't seem like something to rely on, especially not out in the Wilds. And with all these portals about, it feels like anything can pop on through. I've made it a point to heavily ward mine. Not only because of that, of course... it's at the back of a pub in London, I wouldn't want some poor drunken fool to wander through while they were looking for the lavatory."

Aziraphale has that effect on others, although he tries not to take advantage of that ability. "That was very noble of you," he says kindly, without sounding pitying. "I'm sure she'd be happy to know that you've been given another chance here."

"I consider it lucky that I'm able to live again here, even if I can't go home to my world. It's a second chance I don't want to waste." Ben isn't surprised that the portals associated with angels are guarded. Lucifer had mentioned his was warded, too. "We've had unpleasant things come through the portals in the past. Though there's no way to really prevent that, it's a good idea to keep track of our doors. That's why I stay in practice, so I can fight if I have to."

"She does," Ben says. Aziraphale might see his expression soften. "She comes by to visit sometimes. You might see her one day if you're lucky. We're still in contact. She doesn't live here the way I do, though. People like me, Force-users, are rare here, though our numbers are growing."

"I'm surprised anyone bothers with them, if they have access to a PINpoint. It's much more convenient to pop on over than trek through a rundown pub." At least for himself and Crowley. He suspects that Toby doesn't mind the diversion. "Reminds me a bit of my own miracles, but I'm told that it runs on extremely advanced technology, and not magic."

Aziraphale is not surprised that Ben is friends with Galahad. There is something knight-like about the young man, the way he's determined to protect the Nexus from danger.

"I'm glad you're still in contact," he says with a smile, picking up on that softness. "What is a Force-user?"

"I use PINpoints, mostly. They're much more convenient and it's easier to find my way back. Not that I'm that seasoned a dimensional traveller." Ben spends most of his time in the Nexus, not jumping between different dimensions. He's adopted the Nexus as where he lives from now on, and only partly because he can't return home. "Not that I'm opposed to a little exploring."

Ben's never had a chance to protect the Nexus, and he hopes he doesn't have to. Still, he wants to be prepared in case that time ever comes. He's been warned that things have gone wrong in the past.

"The Force is...it's hard to explain. It's unique to my universe and other universes connected to it. It's the energy found in all living things. Some people, like myself, are very closely in tune with it, and that gives us special abilities."

Young Dogs, New Tricks

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