"Are they all religious texts?" Aziraphale asked curiously as he tried to imagine what it would be like to have a whole room of books. He hoped they were fiction and diverse, he hoped he could read about everything. If he had to be in exile, he wanted to learn more. He wanted to finally reach out and take a hold of all the things he had been held back from. Science, biology especially, was an area he was sorely lacking. "I read a lot but he can't tell the others because they worry. They worry I'll end up like--"
His eyes widened a little when he realised he almost said Barty's name. That would have been more unfortunate. Though now it was not exactly subtle, he sort of hung in the air.
"I read the Jungle Book recently. I liked it a lot."
"That's a good one, isn't it?" Bit problematic where the colonialism and racism was concerned, but a good story nonetheless. "Most of the books I have are fiction, science, philosophy. Not that many religious one." He rather preferred to engage with that as little as possible. "Reading is the best way to open one's mind. To learn yourself you have to learn the world."
Imparting words of wisdom. "I brought a book for you to read while you're in hospital. You'll have to stay at least two or three more days, but I'll be here as often as possible."
He moved to reach his bag, pulling out the illustrated copy of The Hobbit. It was beautiful and looked special, boxed and bound in green and gold. He held it out for Aziraphale to have a closer look. "I'll bring another book tomorrow. Do you know Peter Pan?"
Aziraphale's eyes went wide and he took the book with such care and gentleness, setting it in his lap like it was a rare prize he had won. If this was a test to see if he would take things from Satan, he had failed and yet, he didn't think he could care any more. Father was not coming for him, neither were his siblings, and he was very sick. He wanted to lie in bed and read a book, to leave the world for just a little while.
"It's by Tolkien! I've never read anything by him but I know the name. In a few of the forewords of books I've read, many speak highly of him." With a smile, he stroked the cover lovingly and then looked at Barty curiously. "I know Peter Pan but I've never had chance to read it. It had magic in it, so it's close to Satan... fantasy is off limits." And he hated that because fantasy seemed the most fun.
"Yeah, there are. Tinker Bell is a fairy who is friends with Peter." Barty had never really told a story before, but Aziraphale was looking at him with such hopeful eyes, clearly wanting to be told something. So why not? "In The Hobbit, the book I've brought, there's magic too. He's not magic himself though, he's a hobbit. As the title suggests. And he goes off on a big adventure with a group of dwarves. But a wizard helps them sometimes."
So, there was the promised magic. "I think you'll like it a lot. If you want, I could start reading it to you."
"You would read it to me?" That sounded so nice, he felt so sick and tired, he didn't know how well his eyes could focus but he wanted to know the story so badly. He held the book out to Barty, looking very unsure but hopeful. No one really read to him any more, outside of school. Only scripture and right now, he didn't want to hear about God.
Aziraphale should repent and be better but truth be told, he was a little annoyed at God. He made him wet himself, get sick and lose his family so honestly - he was a bit sour on the good word. "I love hearing stories, Bartemius. Oh-- Are you an elder or are you just by your name? You left the church, I suppose."
"Just Bartemius. Or Barty, I suppose. Not Elder, no." Never again. Made him feel sick, even hearing that word so close to his name. Barty pulled the book out of it's box carefully, then held it out for Aziraphale to see as he opened it for him. "It's a nice edition, don't you think? I love getting books that are special. When you are better, I will take you to my favourite bookstores."
Maybe that wasn't most children's idea of a great outing, but he had a feeling Aziraphale might agree with him.
"I always wanted to go to a book store! I asked once, when I had some pocket money, but I wasn't allowed. I was very selfish, it's true. So I gave my money to our church instead. When you give money to the church, you support your brothers and sisters. Help to pay for the windows and the cleaning and the festivals." Aziraphale wisely informed his brother, innocently proud of being tricked into spending his own money on funding some already rich church leaders lifestyle.
He slid along the bed as much as he could and then looked at Barty. "You can sit beside me, if you'd like. Then I can see the pictures..." He didn't mind Barty, even if he was a little scary and his nails were painted. How bad could he be? If he was going to read and all.
"Well, I'll use my money to support my little brother getting some books that make him happy." Seemed like a much wiser use of his time. Barty sat down as Aziraphale wanted him to, holding the book so he could see and letting him look at it first before he started to read.
It wasn't that long before he realised that Aziraphale was asleep, so he stopped reading, gently setting the book aside. He let Aziraphale sleep tucked against him, because when he tried to move he seemed upset. It was a strange feeling. He wanted Aziraphale to feel safe.
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thearrangement2023-04-23 07:14 pm
no subject
His eyes widened a little when he realised he almost said Barty's name. That would have been more unfortunate. Though now it was not exactly subtle, he sort of hung in the air.
"I read the Jungle Book recently. I liked it a lot."
no subject
Imparting words of wisdom. "I brought a book for you to read while you're in hospital. You'll have to stay at least two or three more days, but I'll be here as often as possible."
He moved to reach his bag, pulling out the illustrated copy of The Hobbit. It was beautiful and looked special, boxed and bound in green and gold. He held it out for Aziraphale to have a closer look. "I'll bring another book tomorrow. Do you know Peter Pan?"
no subject
"It's by Tolkien! I've never read anything by him but I know the name. In a few of the forewords of books I've read, many speak highly of him." With a smile, he stroked the cover lovingly and then looked at Barty curiously. "I know Peter Pan but I've never had chance to read it. It had magic in it, so it's close to Satan... fantasy is off limits." And he hated that because fantasy seemed the most fun.
"I believe there are fairies in it, yes?"
no subject
So, there was the promised magic. "I think you'll like it a lot. If you want, I could start reading it to you."
no subject
Aziraphale should repent and be better but truth be told, he was a little annoyed at God. He made him wet himself, get sick and lose his family so honestly - he was a bit sour on the good word. "I love hearing stories, Bartemius. Oh-- Are you an elder or are you just by your name? You left the church, I suppose."
no subject
Maybe that wasn't most children's idea of a great outing, but he had a feeling Aziraphale might agree with him.
no subject
He slid along the bed as much as he could and then looked at Barty. "You can sit beside me, if you'd like. Then I can see the pictures..." He didn't mind Barty, even if he was a little scary and his nails were painted. How bad could he be? If he was going to read and all.
no subject
It wasn't that long before he realised that Aziraphale was asleep, so he stopped reading, gently setting the book aside. He let Aziraphale sleep tucked against him, because when he tried to move he seemed upset. It was a strange feeling. He wanted Aziraphale to feel safe.