Chapter Text
It was a quiet Sunday morning, the birds chirping softly outside the window. Through the soft beige curtains, warm sunlight dappled across their face, their expression peaceful, at ease. A soft meow alerted them and the sleeping form grumbled, rubbing their eyes and sitting up slowly, dark brown curls framing their features. With soft steps, the cat jumped on the bed, nuzzling up into their jaw affectionately, purrs seemingly echoing the small bedroom.
“Good morning to you too.” Came their soft voice as they pet the cat, eyes still closed as they slowly woke. Stifling a yawn, they stretched their arms above their head, groaning as they did so. “S’pose I should get up. I have to meet Mr. Aziraphale for my interview today.” They spoke softly, once more, rubbing the sleep from their eyes. Sliding out from under the sheer silk sheets and their blankets, they made their way to stand before their mirror, tired brown eyes reflecting in the mirror. Their expression was tired, as if they'd not slept in days, eyebags noticeable. Sighing, they pulled their curls back into a messy bun, quietly padding into the bathroom.
Flicking the lights on, and turning on the sink, they wet their hands, before rubbing the water on their skin, wetting it. Hands reaching out blindly for their face wash, they started to rub a small amount across their cheeks, nose, forehead, then rinsing it off, and dabbing their face dry with a face towel. A soft sigh escaped their parted lips, as they started to brush their teeth, staring tiredly at themself in the mirror, eyes dull as they zoned out, absentmindedly thinking. Seemingly realizing they'd been staring off into space they blinked, then spit in the sink, and wiped their face.
“Today's gonna be rough.” Exiting the bathroom, they wandered over to their closet, sighing as they palmed through the hanging shirts and sweaters. What to wear. What to wear… Aziraphale dressed in lighter colors, and quite proper, so maybe follow that scheme, may work in favour of getting the job. They nodded, humming softly to themselves, grabbing a loose white button up, the collar pressed. Scanning the sweaters, deft fingers reached out and plucked a soft yellow sweater being pulled over the dress shirt. Seemingly satisfied with the effect, they nodded and moved on to the pants. Beige, brown or grey… Beige would be too soft, too muted, grey was too clashing, but brown? hm.. that would work, contrasted the yellow and white enough. They pulled their brown corduroy pants on, they buttoned, and then zipped them up, before reaching for a belt and buckling it. Now shoes…
First choice seemed most fitting, so they grabbed their doc martens dress shoes, slipping them onto their feet, their pale yellow socks matching the sweater. Good enough, it's gonna have to do. They thought to themself, sighing. They tied their shoes, then walked into the kitchen, grabbed their bag, and then their keys. Exiting the apartment, they paused, then turned back around, snagging the name tag off the kitchen counter. The name tag read out Valentine. They clipped it to their shirt, before setting off, locking the door behind them, and walking down the stone steps.
Hopefully today goes well. I was really surprised Mr. Aziraphale responded to my application so quickly… But he did say he was desperate for a hire… Val sighed and adjusted their glasses, the frames having slipped down their nose. Their pace quickened as they walked down the sidewalk of London, and a lovely bookstore came into sight. Val’s heart quickened and they swallowed nervously, skin pricking up into goosebumps. This is fine, it'll go amazing, I love organization, I love books, I'm not unkind, though I am quite anxious… I hope he won't be able to tell. Maybe he will. If he does maybe he won't hire me. No. No stop thinking like that. I can do this. Val took a deep breath, pausing with their hand over the doorknob. Closing their eyes, they calmed themselves, opened the door, and stepped in. No going back now. The bell had announced their arrival.
“Oh just a moment! I'll be with you in a bit!” A soft voice came lofting from the back of the shop. Val smiled, and immediately felt soothed, the voice was calming, naturally soothing. They already felt better, nerves easing.
“Take your time.” They replied softly, hands clasped behind them, as they wandered the store, eyes flitting across the books, taking in their covers, their titles, their colors. Already making a mental inventory of the collection. Val made their way around a corner, and was met with the smiling face of Aziraphale.
“Well hello! I'm assuming you must be Mx. Valentine! It is an absolute pleasure to meet you! Your resume was absolutely swarming with positivity and your previous employers had nothing but swell reviews!” He spoke happily, clapping his hands in front of him, bouncing on the toes of his feet. His eyes sparkled and his entire presence was soothing, like a father.
“Well I'm glad I was able to meet you for an interview Mr. Aziraphale, I'm absolutely honored you decided to meet me.” Aziraphale beamed at their reply, and smiled.
“You're hired.” He said softly, patting their shoulder and turning to head back to the backroom. “Now follow me, if you will!” He called out softly, waving a hand to beckon Val to follow.
“Right!” Val replied, promptly following him. They took in the nice backroom, eyes bouncing around the room, taking in it's contents. Aziraphale motioned for them to sit.
“Please, be seated.” Val sat as he instructed, hands folded neatly in their lap as they waited for him to continue.
“Now, I feel absolutely terrible doing this, however I have buisness in Italy and I've to leave tonight.” Aziraphale started, his gaze apologetic, tone soft, guilty. “And I was wondering if you'd be alright taking care of the shop while I was away. I will pay you two paychecks worth up front! If that helps the incentive?” He questioned softly.
“Oh that's okay! I don't mind taking care of the shop for normal pay, it doesn't bother me at all.” They said smiling softly up at him, practically beaming. “Just tell me what to do, and what instructions to follow, I only ask you make the instructions clear, that way I can't mess it up.”
“Oh I have great faith you won't.” He replied smiling. The next hour went by quickly, as he explained and showed them around the shop, going into great detail about the setups and protocols. He patted Val on the shoulder, and left for about fifteen minutes, before he popped back in the shop door, a brown paper bag in one hand, and a steaming tea in the other.
“For tonight, and please, feel free to sleep in the backroom loft, the bed is always made up fresh every morning, and there's a kitchenette as well.” He handed the bag and tea to Val, his gaze warm, kind. “Please, make yourself at home my dear.” He smiled again, patted their shoulder once more, and glanced at the grand clock over the fireplace. “Oh heavens! I am so very late! I will see you in three days dear, please take care, ring me if you've any questions! Now I've got to go! Pip pip!” He rushed out, ruffling their hair affectionately, and hurrying out the door, dissapearing into the soft daylight.