[Aziraphale didn’t quite expect the SQUIP to actually acknowledge him, but perhaps he’s too used to being nearly invisible and becoming one with wallpaper while spying on humanity. It will take more than a month or two to get rid of that habit, after thousands of years. But that’s fine, he can take this and more, and maybe he should actually thank Gabriel for that. After thousands of years on the receiving end of barely veiled insults that kept chipping away at his already meager self-esteem, he’s more afraid of what the SQUIP may do to Rich of what it may say to him.
Which is why he finds Rich’s reaction as brave as it’s delightful. He smiles down at him as he places a hand on his shoulder, trying to show him that he’s not afraid before he looks back at the SQUIP with the same gentle smile he’s had during this entire conversation.
He could bring up what he really is, Rich knows enough that it’d barely be considered a secret at this point. But honestly: why bother? He can tell when someone isn’t willing to listen, and he can see that in the SQUIP.]
Needing moral support is hardly a shame. It just means he’s smart enough to rely on his friends when needed. And smart enough to not face you all alone, after what you did to him.
[And then, looking back at Rich:] I’m sorry, dear. I thought- well, all creatures were made by Her so surely, even if it was artificial it would want to be as close to humanity as possible. But it’s not ready yet, not while it still thinks of things like ‘humanity’ with such disdain.
no subject
Which is why he finds Rich’s reaction as brave as it’s delightful. He smiles down at him as he places a hand on his shoulder, trying to show him that he’s not afraid before he looks back at the SQUIP with the same gentle smile he’s had during this entire conversation.
He could bring up what he really is, Rich knows enough that it’d barely be considered a secret at this point. But honestly: why bother? He can tell when someone isn’t willing to listen, and he can see that in the SQUIP.]
Needing moral support is hardly a shame. It just means he’s smart enough to rely on his friends when needed. And smart enough to not face you all alone, after what you did to him.
[And then, looking back at Rich:] I’m sorry, dear. I thought- well, all creatures were made by Her so surely, even if it was artificial it would want to be as close to humanity as possible. But it’s not ready yet, not while it still thinks of things like ‘humanity’ with such disdain.