nexus_crossings | 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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"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.

Of Dogs and Angels

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