nexus_crossings | Of Dogs and Angels

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Of Dogs and Angels

If anyone passing the Plaza would pause for a moment or two then they would likely come across an angel sitting on a nearby bench playing with a ball of fluff. This new addition into his life is an Alaskan Malamute puppy who goes by the name of Onyx. Jack had Diamond and now it seemed the angel had brought a pup to inhabit their apartment. At least she'll have a friend to keep her company.

Balthazar held the squeaky toy, which was shaped in the form of a large blue rubber bone, as he began waving it close to Onyx's muzzle so he could snap his small but powerful jaws around it. The bone made a loud squeaking noise which was bound to attract attention either way. He was loving it. Not a booze bottle in sight as he was far too busy entertaining his new little friend and bringing him softly into his new world. Around the angel's own neck was a rather attractive sparkling diamond collar. This had been given to him by his lover and partner, Jack. It seemed the angel was a true Diamond dog and with a dog of his own now.

"You like this don't you, Onyx? Now, be a good boy and don't bark at the nice people here."

Were there any cats? Of course there were. Also, birds. Bird looking people and cat creatures. All variety of creature and Onyx would have to get used to sharing his world with them. He was a cute ball of fluff at this moment who would no doubt continue to grow into a large, powerful dog. Balthazar adored him as much as the man he had met only a few weeks ago. The hooligan and prostitute, Jack.

"I'll promise to buy you some doggy snacks soon since you pretty much ate my couch. Was the stuffing good?"

He teased by tickling Onyx under his chin whilst knowing he would have a chewed up apartment for a good few months yet.

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Speaking of bird people, Balthazar is approached by a very large one who has two catwings - one black and one silver - on her shoulders. skekSa the Mariner is taking Flint and Silver out for a walk, and is surprised to see someone with a dog.

She tips her hat politely on greeting the two. "Captain skekSa. Don't believe we've met before. Though I have met angels here, a few of them. None quite like you, but all the angels here have a distinct flavor."

The pirate kneels to get a closer look at the dog. "Interesting creature. If you don't mind an old salt asking, where did you get him?

The angel's eyes widen slightly at the image of the large blue avian and her winged cat creatures perched upon her shoulders. It was a sight to behold for sure and his surprised expression morphed into one of delight. They were rather cute and he hoped Onyx wouldn't start barking.

"Captain skekSa? Well, you certainly have two very cute looking fluffy creatures there. Also, you're the biggest bird I've ever seen in my life."

She had also met a few of the angels before. Curious. Lucifer, Beelzebub? Those names rang true since Balthazar had come to hear those names reverberate around the Nexus like wildfire. He glanced down to where skekSa was interacting with Onyx. The puppy offered her up a curious whine and then began wagging his tail whilst licking at one of her scaled feet.

"Oh, Onyx? Well, funny thing is I got him at a pet store here. Sold me him. Isn't he such a darling?"

A pile of small, black, short haired puppies come running at them. They look relatively normal, like some longer legged mutts with pricked up ears, were it not for the sky blue glowing eyes and intricate patterns of the same blue glow. They are friendly though and ready to play because there is another puppy and toys.

Not far behind them is what are obviously angels. The male in all black with six black wings and sun glasses is walking arm in arm with another angel. She is dark-skinned, curvy and dressed to the nines in a black dress . Her largest wings black with feathers edged in red, the smaller pair crimson in color, and the smallest pair at her low back oil slick black.

"No, no. Let them be." She calls after all the puppies who are about to jump all over the other angel. However, she stops in her tracks when she catches a glimpse of the face and grace of the angel with the fluffy puppy. It leaves her staring because she knows him but this isn't quite the same as the one she knows.

Instead of trying to guess she simply calls out. "I'm sorry darling. It's thier first day outside of the villa."

If it is who she thinks then the greeting will be much different than if it is a stranger.

Edited 2020-10-23 02:03 (UTC)

Now, there was a sight to behold. The angels were very distinctive in shape and form and Balthazar could not help but admire them both. The female in particular. Such beautiful plumage indeed. Onyx barked a little when he noticed the rather different looking puppies bounding towards them. Was he a little shy? Perhaps. Since he backed around behind his master's feet, whimpering softly.

Balthazar instantly moved to pick Onyx up offering him a kiss to the head and a few well-earned ear scratches.

"Hey, you. It's alright. They're guests and they won't eat you."

He offered the female angel a smile and set Onyx back down who now seemed more curious than scared regarding the other puppies. Hell hounds? They certainly seemed to be puppies of that nature. How interesting. His demeanour was one of curiosity and outright friendliness at seeing new angels.

"Don't worry, love. I do love your plumage though. You and your friend there."

The hellhound puppies are curious about everything, tails wagging wildly as the sniff at the puppy and the angel. Hellhounds in Sin's creation are far different than those in Balthazar's. They were guardians who would eventually gain an almost human intelligence with age, rarely aggressive without a clear threat.

"He's my twin brother." The term friend told the lady that this was not her family member but a similar angel, maybe exactly similar. "You look like our father in law, but it's obvious you aren't him."

She smiles watching the puppies, the small hellhounds, her children, whining with excitement. "I am Lady Amartolosa and this is my brother Lord Thnisko. My brother is blind and mute. If you don't understand sign language I can translate."

She was being friendly. After all, this was another angel and he seemed more cuddly than aggressive like the angels of heaven that were deep in battle with her family.

"Yes, I'm no one's Father-in-law, at least not yet."

The angel chuckled softly at the notion but didn't dismiss it entirely. Now that he was part of Jack's life he knew anything was possible. Onyx came up to his master's legs sniffing and scrabbling for attention since he was talking to Sin and not him. Such a demanding little pup.

"Lady Amartolosa. Lord Thnisko."

Balthazar offered both a polite nod and found himself focused on Thnisko wondering if he could communicate telepathically instead. It would make it easier for the man to understand him and less work for Sin to do.

"Does telepathy work with your brother? If so, I could attempt a basic form of communication that way."

Onyx was now barking loudly to get his master's attention. The angel leaning down to pick him up and in return getting a face full of doggy kisses.

Sin smiles softly at the 'yet'. As an angel associated with parenthood she can feel it, sense it in the warmth of his presence that he will have children in his life soon. "Your twin is our stepfather, or will be soon."

I can hear you but not speak. The voice comes into Balthazar's mind gently, barely touching the surface. The voice carries age and a slowness to it that feels ancient and primordial.

When the hellhounds see the face kisses they all come bounding over. The yipping creating tiny puffs of fire but it isn't dangerous.

"He's adorable." Sin has an exuberance to her that is the opposite of the quiet calm of her twin. Not annoying just hopeful and upbeat.

Did this mean that Balthazar was also entering into the angel family along with his counterpart? The thought of that warmed his own heart as well as his vessel's. To belong to such an impressive array of angels was something special indeed. Thinsko's words echoing in his mind.

"Then, I wish to thank you and your sister for meeting me today like this."

The words were directed towards Thnisko but no doubt Sin too could pick up on what Balthazar was saying to her brother. Onyx gently yapping up towards his master for attention but also just watching the hellhound puppies with interest. The yipping creating tiny puffs of fire was very cute. Who knew what it would be like once the dogs were older? Balthazar smiled warmly towards Sin.

"Feel free to come to the house if you or your brother wish to spend an afternoon out with Onyx and myself."

"I hope you are like our father in personality." Death tells this new Balthazar.

The hellhounds are also taking interest in the new angel. They join Onyx looking for attention. They also start sniffing at the other puppy.

"I'm helping my brother learn the layout of the buildings." Sin tells him. "Would you like to walk with us, darling?"

"I'm sure I am since we are technically the same angel even though our vessels might differ."

Balthazar hoped that both Death and Sin would welcome this version of the angel into the family as much as their father. Lucifer's version differed but underneath it was the same ball of light and energy. It was just their memories that differed. The Nexus was such a fasinating place with various versions of the same person walking around and being able to meet their counterparts without fear of paradoxes or the universe exploding. Then again, having two Balthazars sharing the same space at the same time was bound to cause mayhem.

"Oh, you are? How useful. I'd love to! Lead on, Lady Sin."

"My father has many versions and they are incredibly different." Death informs the other angel though he doesn't think this angel will be as divergent as the versions of his father.

She tucks her arm into Balthazar's with her brother on the other side. Her own pups will follow her and she assumes that Balthazar's will too. "How are you liking the Nexus so far, Darling?"

Aal's own ears perk up and shift in shape a little and fur the same color as her hair. {Squeaky?} Her inner wolf thinks as her head goes up and turns toward the sound like a hunting hound on the scent of something a sudden. But she's usually more in a playful mood most days.

Especially round puppers and wee ones, just turn her into a motherly ball of soft fluff.

Dor chuckles lowly with a warm friendly grin as they share a look. He gets a twinkle in his eyes as they pad closer arm in arm to go by and at least think to be neighborly and say hello. Besides he rarely could say 'no ' his beloved mate. Not this was a time where he likely needed to. The young pup looked to be in good hands.

"Aww, " Aal murmurs warmly. "He sounds like an adorable rascal.." She murmurs sympathetically. As she looks thoughtful trying to think of things that might help him with such things. She crouches a little and tries not to wiggle too much. But she does do the equivalent of a playboy toward the pup. As she smiles friendly and a little shyly up at the celestial being.

The tip of her own tail wags. As the tall blonde glances between them a fondness in his sea-blue eyes. "Good day for a walk." He murmurs conversationally.

"Oh, he can be an adorable rascal when he's not chewing up my latest sofa I bought. That or my shoes. He loves eating shoes."

The angel began rubbing Onyx's stomach as soon as he rolled over, tongue out, panting at having all the attention over him. He did love it when the angel offered him all the tummy rubs. As for the newcomer, Balthazar offered her a polite smile.

"What about you? You seem to be a dog lover too I see."

Aal chuckles softly, As Dor grins.

"Ah yes teething a bit eh?" Aal murmurs wryly. Though she did enjoy the scent of leather. She'd rather chew on a nice cut of beef or something.

She shares a bemused loving look at Dor, her blondie boy rather enjoyed a good belly rub himself.

"Ah, well we don't have any pups as of yet..Need a bigger place first methinks." She murmurs warmly. Which they had been trying to put feelers out and the like. Though winter was oncoming not a good time for a move of course but making plans and such at least.

"Back home we used to have quite a few critters about the place." Dor murmurs as Aal nods.

"Yes, well chickens are not indoor birds." She murmurs wryly part playful.

"Yes, you could say that. He loves attention and everytime I attempt to speak to someone who isn't him he gets jealous. Such a demanding little pup, aren't you?"

The angel spoke in a soft way to his puppy, who was wagging his tail and thoroughly enjoying all the attention. Nipping Balthazar's fingers playfully he then rolled back over and bounded towards the new person.

"He loves meeting new people and new friends."

Balthazar smirked when Onyx began sniffing at Aal's feet, gently licking at the top of her shoe.

Aal chuckles thoroughly bemused. "Mmhm, sounds like a few wee ones I've run into." She murmurs half wryly, or people who still could act like such.

Both of the shifters, squint happily watching for a few moment.

Aal draws in a delighted breath, "oooh hello." She murmurs crouching a little more. She softly giggles, "Funny we have that in common." She murmurs and glances down at the pupper. "Yes, we do." She murmurs fondly and warmly.

The pair of them chuckle at the antics. Dor leaving one hand in his pocket but not the right.

Aal murmurs, "Oh now that can't taste too good silly." She murmurs offering her left hand for Onyx to sniff half tempted to pet his head at least but she didn't want to rush things or offended his person.

There is a flurry of high-pitched yips as a small, furry, doglike creature bounds across the plaza toward them. It looks a bit like a Yorkshire terrier or some kind of mix, but the little pink nose is distinctive, as are the huge eyes. Whatever it is, it's clearly a little princess, because it's wearing a ridiculously cute sailor dress and matching hat.

Someone takes Pokemon ownership seriously, here.

"Willie! Heel! Dammit, girl, how many times--" The dog's(?) owner follows at a slower pace, almost limping on legs braced with metal from the knees down. It's clear that Willie could outrun her person any time, but to her credit she pauses, looks back at him, and sits, waiting. But her tail wags so hard her read end wiggles and she keeps eyeing Onyx curiously.

Edited 2020-10-22 15:46 (UTC)

Well now, what was that? Balthazar squinted at the bounding dog-like creature coming towards him. Willie? Well, she certainly liked to run as all dogs should but she seemed like no breed the angel had ever clapped eyes on before. Perhaps she was special to the Nexus.

"Hey there, beautiful."

Gently approaching her, he allowed her to sniff his hand before petting her head. Onyx whining indignantly at not having his head petted as he bounded over, sniffing Willie's front paws.

"She's a pretty little thing, friend."

Balthazar looked up at her owner and offered him a friendly smile. The leg braces noted. Poor guy. It must be difficult for him to keep up with his dog on limited mobility.

Cricket smiles wryly at the scene. Maybe Willie has a sixth sense over who she can safely approach in the Nexus. The only times she's ever run up to someone have ended well, and this looks like no exception. The blond man petting her has a kind face, he thinks.

"Thanks," he says. "I started out dressin' her up the first Winter I had her, on account of she don't like the cold. Now she thinks she has to have something cute on every time she goes out."

He bends down and picks the little creature up, scratching her neck affectionately. "But she knows she'd be pretty even without the fancy outfits, right?"

He smiles at Onyx. "Yours is still a pup, ain't he?"

"I think the little outfit looks cute on her and she wears it well."

Balthazar knew if he tried to dress Onyx up in anything then he'd more likely have his fingers bitten or the outfit ripped to shreds. Some dogs just made up their minds and the angel would never force his pup into anything. Willie though? She was delightful.

"Yes, he's still a pup. Around five months old now. So far he's gotten through four pairs of shoes and one sofa. It's lucky I can summon more."

Being an angel had it's advantages. What was the country boy's story? Balthazar noticed that the boy had a kind face also and this showed through his adoration for Willie. That twang in his voice. Southern? The angel knew of most accents and this boy was born from the soil he was guessing.

"I'm Balthazar. What's your name, love?"

Loki Hyrrokkinson likes dogs, even if they're not exactly wolves. Not their fault that they're not.

Loki smiles and will try to pet the pup without asking permission at all.
"Well, now," he then says to the man, "if the stuffing's no good, maybe you should get another, hmm? Don't deny the little one some fun."

Oh, a blue man. He looked positively alien and this wasn't something unknown to the angel since he'd met lots of strange beings since entering the Nexus. Was this man really offering him furniture advice? It seemed so.

"Oh? I won't deny him fun but he needs to learn a few house rules. I'm going to run out of chairs and shoes at this rate."

A small sigh and he could feel Onyx pulling on his shoe laces. That trick again. Glancing up from staring at his pup, the angel wondered what sort of being the man was.

"You're blue."

"How astute. Yup, I am blue."

He's not irritated, just teasing.

Loki looks at the dog again and, grinning now, he says, "Just marking the territory, ain't that right? And some people can be so unappreciative."

"You're not the first blue person I've met here. There was a large, blue avian with knives. She seemed very rogue-like. skekSa I do believe her name was."

Balthazar wondered what sort of being this guy was and how long he'd been within the Nexus itself. So much variety and the angel was loving every second of it.

"So, what's your name? I'm Balthazar. Angel and lovers of puppies."

It's not the puppy that initially attracts Aziraphale's attention, but the angel's aura -- specifically, that it is Balthazar's aura, but not the one that he knows. Which puts the bow-tied angel in a bit of a social dilemma. He's had only a few encounters with alternates in the Nexus, he's not sure what the social etiquette is. Not to mention that encountering any celestial angels always puts him in a mild panic, at least at first, due to his experiences on his own world.

"Erm... hello," he says finally, because just standing there like a deer caught in the headlights is never socially acceptable. "That's an adorable puppy that you have there."

"Hello there. Isn't he? His name is Onyx and so far he's chewed through three pairs of my best shoes and eaten half a sofa already. Yet, I love him."

The angel greeted the friendly newcomer with a smile and a nod whilst Onyx came bounding up to the stranger, sniffing around his feet, licking the laces of the angel's shoes. Uh-oh. Balthazar knew that to be a sign of bad omens so quickly snatched the pup up in his arms, tickling his ears. Onyx yapped playfully and tried to nip at his owner's fingers.

"He likes your shoes by the look of it. Better to hold him for now since he might try and eat your laces."

The perils of owning a puppy.

"Onyx? That's an interesting name for a puppy." Aziraphale doesn't mind in the least when the puppy bounds over, even when his shoelaces might be in peril. "Oh, well that's all right. Er, not that I want my shoelaces to be eaten, but I'm aware that puppies will be puppies."

He watches Balthazar handle the puppy, his wings on the astral plane relaxing a little. It appears that his angel is as warm-hearted as his alternate. "You're Balthazar, yes? My name is Aziraphale. I'm, ah, friends with an alternate of yours."

"It's based off the stone of the same name. More derived from Jack's puppy Diamond, who I based Onyx's name off."

It only made sense that the angel name his own puppy that which associated with his lover's own dog. Besides, Jack loved the name too so that suited Balthazar perfectly. That and the pup's shaggy grey coat created the look of the stone when a light was shone through it. A small yelp of indignation and Onyx squirmed in the angel's arms. Allowing him down, Balthazar made sure he wasn't about to lunge at Aziraphale's laces again.

"Aziraphale. You've met my counterpart I see. Many here already have the knowledge that he came before me. Is he as handsome as me?"

Of course the angel was only lightly teasing since how could he not? Having two of him running around the Nexus was a big ego stroke for him.

Despite not knowing who Jack is, Aziraphale follows the explanation easily enough. "Diamond and Onyx. Yes, the names go together nicely." He smiles in amusement at Onyx's squirming and watches the puppy benevolently once it's set down. "I've thought about getting a pet, but puppies are rather a lot of work, aren't they? I watched one for a friend recently, but Agatha is already fully trained."

The idea of using miracles does not even cross the angel's mind. He hates taking away a creature's free will, even for something so simple as making it behave.

As his gaze returns to Balthazar, a small huff of a laugh escapes his lips. "The two of you look identical," he replies diplomatically, not feeding into the angel's ego. "Your auras are incredibly similar, as well. If not for getting to know him so well, I'm not sure I would have noticed the difference." Their playful sass is certainly the same.

"They can be a lot of work but then so can children and I haven't managed to procure any of those yet, although, I wouldn't be opposed to the idea."

The idea of Jack's kids staying within his abode? He had found the idea touching and knew his life wouldn't be the same now that Jack had entered his life. The kids? He'd adapt and offer them as much food and attention as they wanted. Of course it was now a better place having a man he could call his lover and partner. Love could change a man overnight.

"I suppose we do. Perhaps one day we'll swap clothes and pretend to be our other selves."

Would he do such a thing? Perhaps. It would no doubt amuse the many Lokis that inhabited the Nexus along with every other trickster. Balthazar would be bold and brash enough to try such a thing.

"So, Aziraphale. What's your story? You seem a well-dressed and refined sort of angel. Do you have any passions in your life?"

Aziraphale's eyebrows go up a moment at the mention of children, but he's not entirely surprised. The Balthazar he knows has taken on a father-like role to Lucifer's son and daughter, although they're both adults. "I think I'd rather stick with a pet," he admits. "I've been a godfather, and that was just about enough work for me."

Not that he doesn't love kids, little ones especially. But they're messy and loud and the bookshop is no place to raise one.

The idea of the Balthazars pretending to be one another does not appear to go over well with Aziraphale, who looks at the other angel with a beleaguered sort of 'please don't' expression on his face. "There's already enough mischief here with the fallen angels and all the Lokis, you really don't need to contribute, you know."

When the conversation turns to Aziraphale, the angel finds himself a little tongue-tied. He has to remind himself that this Balthazar does not already know his life story or anything about him at all. "Ah... thank you for noticing," he says as he absently tugs at the bottom of his waistcoat. "I do, actually. I've lived on Earth for over six thousand years, so I've picked up a few hobbies from the humans. One of them is reading -- I own a bookshop in Soho. The other is baking. Only recently, mind you, but I find the entire process very pleasant."

"Six thousand? Ah, to be that young again."

Balthazar smiled fondly and did remember when he was that young almost eons ago now. His vessel, Seth, was around his late forties, so he was practically a baby. Either way, without his vessel, Balthazar would be stuck as a being of pure light and energy. Most wouldn't even be able to glance upon his powerful body.

"A bookshop? How wonderful. I do enjoy a good read. Adventure and erotica being some of my favoured titles."

Why yes, he did just say that. Nothing wrong with being truthful of course. As for baking? Now, that was something the angel severely lacked in knowledge. If this guy could bake...

"I don't suppose you'd fancy offering up some of your advice in that department? Baking I mean."

Aziraphale is more than aware of how much older Balthazar is, or perhaps more accurately, his universe in general. "My Earth is quite a bit younger than yours, although I was there just after it was created. I was the Guardian of Eden -- the Eastern Gate, to be specific. After the whole apple business, I stayed on Earth and kept performing my duties there."

And opened a bookshop apparently. He very nearly rolls his eyes at the mention of erotica. Oh yes, this is certainly a Balthazar. "I have a great love for all literature, which does include your interests. Honestly, it's a relief to know that there are angels out there who like to read. Where I'm from, I'm very much the exception."

Especially when it comes to the erotica.

He looks genuinely surprised when Balthazar asks for his advice. It's not often that someone asks for his advice on something other than book recommendations. "Oh... oh, certainly! I'd be happy to. Are you thinking of taking up baking as well?"

"Perhaps we could find ourselves some good erotica books sometimes and share tips regarding our partners."

Balthazar was of course partly teasing the refined angel. But, then in part he was being serious, also knowing that Jack would find it amusing him talking erotica with another angel. He ran a hand through his dirty blond hair and sighed. He knew Jack was a good cook since he had looked after himself back on his own world on the streets. Feeding the kids and the like, yet Balthazar wanted to provide also if he were to be included more in their lives. Aziraphale seemed a pleasant enough angel to provide some useful tips.

"Well...I want to get better in the kitchen and thought a spot of baking could make up for my lack of finesse. Being able to cook for Jack and the kids, that is worth something."

Aziraphale is no prude when it comes to erotic literature, but the idea of sharing such personal thoughts with anyone other than Crowley has him suddenly very flustered. "I- I- I hardly think that's a proper conversation topic, I've only just met you." He sniffs and fusses with his tie. "Besides, many of those books are a terrible resource for practical information..."

How would he even broach the topic of his partner in the first place? The other Balthazar has always been supportive of his relationship with a demon, but will this Balthazar be as accepting?

Some of those doubts settle down when Balthazar explains why he'd like to learn to bake. It's a very sweet gesture to want to provide for his partner and partner's children, and Aziraphale smiles at him warmly. "I think that's a wonderful motivation. How about you visit my flat above the bookshop and I can give you a lesson? That way it'll be a surprise for Jack and the children."

Oh, Balthazar was awful for winding people up, especially angels he'd only just met. Aziraphale was a very kind and friendly angel it seemed and the flustering got a sly smirk from Balthazar, who was obviously enjoying himself.

"You're right. Perhaps, if we got to know each other better we could talk erotica."

Of course he was going to word it like that. How could he not? As for the invitation? He wasn't about to turn down a possible cooking lesson and the chance to make a new friend. This angel was ready to throw some eggs around and make a mess.

"A cooking lesson? Oh, darling. That will be exciting."

Aziraphale makes a small pained sound in the back of his throat. He really walked into that one, didn't he? One of the things he loves about Balthazar (the one he already knows) is his sense of humor, such a breath of fresh air from all the sticks-in-the-mud in his own Heaven, but it does mean that he has to put up with the occasional teasing.

"Perhaps. Although I'd prefer to stick to literature instead of personal anecdotes."

He would definitely like to get to know this Balthazar better, too, so the cooking lesson is definitely on. "Excellent? Do you have a PINpoint? I can send you the coordinates to my bookshop." The shop is heavily warded against other angels and demons (except for Crowley, of course), but if Balthazar appears in his shop, it shouldn't be an issue. "Perhaps a little later, while someone else is watching Onyx?"

The puppy is adorable, but Aziraphale would prefer it to not be bounding around the kitchen while he's trying to bake.

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Of Dogs and Angels

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excuse to use this icon

doggie! <3

here's another

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