I'm Satan, but Today I am Santa too. (For sohoangel)

[the_rebel_son]

Lucifer really never had enough time with Aziraphale. Despite a shaky first meeting just over a year ago they were now close friends. He would now consider him as much of a brother as any of his own angels and as such Aziraphale endured harassment and strange gifts from the fallen angel. Today though, they were out to buy unexpected gifts for another angel, Moloch to be specific. Lucifer had to admit buying a Christmas gift for Moloch was strange indeed.

He had a few ideas in mind as he walked toward the plaza to meet the other angel. It would be nice to just spend a day with the other angel without it being a party or a large gathering.

Comments

[the_rebel_son]

Lucifer nods to the assessment of the other angel. "Maybe we should stick to carnivores so feeding it will not entail extra work on his part?"

And they could hunt together when it is older, maybe. A carnivore that did not mind the cold and could be affectionate with an aesthetic that Moloch would appreciate was narrowing down the list but that wasn't the bad thing as far as he's concerned.

"I collect plants and books." Lucifer admits with a grin. "I am utilitarian, perhaps, but I would expect Crowley and I to have things in common. His duties to his creation and my duties to my own do overlap."

Lucifer can't help but laugh now. "It has happened before in my creation. The Watchers and Irin procreated with humans, for that matter so have I." He realizes that it doesn't happen or, like Balthazar's world, it is a big deal in other places. "Four or five months, I think. Her baby has only started to move recently. "

Lucifer's expression turns serious. "Eve is the reason he came to me. The punishment for what he has done is severe in my creation."

[sohoangel]

"A carnivore would be easier to care for in the Wilds," he agrees. And it would not rule out cute and cuddly, either. Although they are narrowing their options, that is probably a good thing, as too many choices can be just as difficult as too few.

"He has quite the collection of plants, too," Aziraphale replies, although he rather hopes Lucifer never finds out about his partner's habit of yelling at them. Not that Crowley has ever actually destroyed a plant, but the plants don't know that, making his threats rather credible. "Books he could take or leave, although he likes it when I read to him."

Lucifer's mention of Eve has him twisting his fingers together. "Yes... yes, of course, I remember..." he mutters, attempting to regain his composure. "And I'm familiar with the Book of Enoch, but there's no truth to it in my world, at least in that regard. I can't think of a single angel with a carnal interest in humans, and even if it did happen, we aren't capable of reproduction."

There's Lucifer and the anti-christ, but that was most definitely the exception that proved the rule. At any rate, no matter how it happened, Aziraphale can at least appreciate the seriousness of the situation. "Well, I can see why he defected, then, even with all the trouble he's causing. What does the poor girl think about all this?"

[the_rebel_son]

"Shall I send him something from my gardens?" It was a thought as far as a gift for the demon. He might panic getting a gift from Lucifer but it was the thought that counted. "Balthazar has asked me to read before."

Poetry and trashy romance novels mostly but who's counting. Lucifer nods to Aziraphale and gives him a nervous and sympathetic glance over the apparent stress. "I think the way of your creation may be the more common state."

Instead of going on he lets the topic drop in favor of something less stressful. "Raguel was trained by Michael to challenge me. I did not expect the transition to be smooth between us bu I sympathize with his plight and am willing to give him a chance."

Raguel needed to find his place in the fallen angels more because he cared about rank. Lucifer knew eventually he would fall into a comfortable place somewhere.

"Thankfully he was honest with her." Lucifer shrugs. "She's religious and feeling comfortable with Fallen angels has been tricky but I think she is coming to an understanding. Death has been kind to her and his presence has made her relax. I think she just needs a little time to collect herself and make sense of the situation but she is very kind and polite. I have no worries of her traveling in the Nexus. I think she will fit in."

[sohoangel]

"I think that's a wonderful idea," Aziraphale replies warmly, touched by the offer. He doubts that Crowley will yell at a plant of Lucifer's, even one given as a holiday gift. "Just be aware that we keep all our plants indoors."

Just when Aziraphale thinks he's grown accustomed to the differences between their worlds, he's thrown another curveball and needs some time to adjust. Lucifer's sympathetic look and change of subject help the angel calm himself back down. "Well, that's... that's very generous of you, to give him that chance. I can't imagine any of Crowley's former colleagues extending the same courtesy."

Aziraphale's main concern is with the poor human woman caught up in all of his. He lets out a single nervous giggle upon hearing that she's religious, having flashbacks to Saint Teresa of Avila. Why was it the religious ones who had the strongest fantasies of angels? "Well, if there's anything I can do to help put her at ease, do let me know."

[the_rebel_son]

"I think I can manage something that can flourish indoors." Lucifer figures that would be the plan. Now his mind is on a second gift idea, but first Moloch.

Lucifer nods because he figures that Aziraphale and Crowley's heaven and hell would be the common configuration with hatred going both directions. "Between my own kind and the fallen of other creations there is one distinct difference. We hate God, perhaps the seraphim.. but we do not hate the angels simply because they did not fall with us."

"I can introduce you if you would like to meet her. Ariel has been staying with her and that has been a comfort." Lucifer trusts the angel more than he trusts Raguel to behave himself. However, Lucifer could deal with him if he had to while Aziraphale was visiting.

"Here we are." Lucifer motioned toward a stall with a myriad of creatures. Some from Earth, some even Lucifer didn't recognize. The trader probably talked to hundreds of different creations. Who knew what they might find here.

[sohoangel]

"Excellent! Crowley takes his plant care very seriously, but living in a flat does not afford us much space. He might expand to a rooftop garden, but that will take a bit of planning on both our parts."

The rivalry between Heaven and Hell on Aziraphale's world is strong, although that doesn't seem to preclude the occasional back channel communication. Aziraphale nods thoughtfully to Lucifer's statement. "It's a matter of loyalty to whose side you're on," he muses. "I don't think which side that happens to be is as important anymore, to be totally honest, so long as you stick to it."

His smile returns at the potential for introductions. "I would like that very much."

The stall attracts his attention and he peers at the various animals -- those that he can see, anyway -- with varying amounts of surprise. There are some that he recognizes, some that he's only read about in stories, and some so wholly unfamiliar that he needs a moment to wrap his mind around what he's seeing. "My goodness! Should we get someone to assist us? If we try to look in every individual stall, we'll be here all day."

[the_rebel_son]

"Perhaps after we are through shopping you can come by the villa?" There was no pressure but it would be a reasonable extension of their day out.

Lucifer shrugs. "I was considering simply walking around and observing to see if something caught my eye but we could ask someone if you would prefer something more regimented."

He was as much here to spend time with Aziraphale as he was to shop. There wasn't any rush to this day as he set it aside completely for the other angel.

[sohoangel]

"I'd be delighted to," Aziraphale replies graciously. "Crowley is expecting me to be gone for the entire day, anyway." He's probably misting his plants at this very moment, bebop blasting from the stereo at full volume. The mental image makes the angel smile to himself.

It's very thoughtful of Lucifer to set aside the day for the sake of Aziraphale's company, but without some sort of outside assistance, the angel isn't sure how they'll ever come to a decision.

"Well, er, we can start heading down one of the rows, and if I spot an employee, I'll flag them down?" That seems like a good enough compromise between their shopping styles.

[the_rebel_son]

"Sin has told me you want more of a tour of our libraries, too." It was something that the two men, or rather angels, shared... a love for books, among other things.

"I agree. We may eventually need assistance." Lucifer had grand ambitions sometimes but even he could admit to being overwhelmed. It was also rather loud with all the animal sounds. Lucifer starts down one of the rows that appears to have some larger animals. Though maybe a tiny animal would suit the angel better. "I am conflicted on what size animal to look for."

[sohoangel]

"She gave me an initial tour at your holiday party, but I'd always like another look." Lucifer's collection is impressive, overlapping with his own, but also containing some unique finds that the angel would love to delve into.

Aziraphale just wants to make sure that they make the right choice, both for Moloch's sake and whatever animal they settle on. "It might be easier for Moloch to care for something that starts small," he muses, speaking a bit louder to be heard over all the animal noises. "If only for the sake of keeping it close." He thinks of when the angel was transformed into a rabbit and how he curled up in his waistcoat. Maybe Moloch would like to have his pet tucked up close like that.

[the_rebel_son]

"Then perhaps an afternoon of tea or wine in the library?" Lucifer offers. "Though first we must accomplish this task."

And it was a task. Lucifer kept eyeing various animals as he walked through the aisles of cages. "I think young may also aid with bonding, if he must nurture it more often."

The idea of Moloch nurturing anything always felt a little counter-intuitive to say, but he did like animals. Lucifer stopped abruptly at one of the cages and knelt down. "Aziraphale."

His voice comes excited because this would definitely be in the realm of Moloch, being that he was the minotaur. Inside the cage was a blackish red, shaggy haired, calf with red eyes and the yellow down coming out of its wings to reveal golden feathers. It was only about the size of a medium to small dog right now. An image of the adult which looked about the same size as a normal large bull hung on the cage. True, it wasn't a predator, or maybe it was? The teeth when it mewed looked sharp instead of flat.

Beside it was an equally intriguing looking owl like creature, also downy and young. The adult pictures on the cage looked hauntingly weird. This might also be a good choice for Moloch. It looked like a nocturnal animal for the owl face and thick feathers for the cold.

[sohoangel]

"Sounds lovely," Aziraphale says brightly before returning his attention to the task at hand. "Yes, a young animal is a must. That will go a long way to ensure a bond between the two."

His gaze wanders among the various enclosures until Lucifer's voice calls him over to the stall. "Did you spot a potential candidate?" he asks, kneeling down to also get a better look at the creatures. The winged bull he recognizes from mythology, but the downy little owl with bat wings is entirely new to him. The adults forms look truly intimidating, but Aziraphale can only smile sweetly at the two small creatures in their pen. They're only babies, after all.

"Oh, look at them! Aren't they darling. Are they friends, do you think? They are in the same stall." He clucks with his tongue to see if either of them are tame enough to approach.

[the_rebel_son]

[Oops.. I thought I replied to this ages ago. ]

"I agree. Though we should avoid young and humanoid." Lucifer states with a hint of worry. There is a concern it might trigger his curse.

"Perhaps. It is your gift to choose. I am only here to assist." Lucifer smiled at the angel as he knelt down beside him by the cages.

"They are at least tolerant or find comfort in each other." He observes them as Aziraphale calls to them. The bull approaches first while the other watches. It's not timid but appears to be watching with a wary curiosity. "Do you think it means we would purchase both?"

Lucifer looks to the other creature and turns to owl sounds. It responds better to that and the fact that Lucifer has produced a little cube of meat. Eventually l, it does come to investigate both of the figures outside the cage.

"I think this one may have more intelligence." Lucifer suggests while watching the curious owl like face.

[sohoangel]

((No worries!))

Aziraphale suppresses a grimace at the remark. Right, the whole baby-eating thing. He understands it better now as a compulsion, but he does not want to trigger the curse, either.

Fortunately, there is nothing humanoid about these two exotic animals. Although Lucifer's comment has the angel twisting his fingers together in mild worry. It is his gift to choose, so he must do the best job possible, for both Moloch and the animal's sake. So far, the bull and owl meet that criteria. Aziraphale smiles when the bull approaches and offers his hand to sniff. If amenable, he'll pet it behind its ears. "I wouldn't want to separate them if they are companions, but two animals would be more work for Moloch. Do you think he'd be up for it?"

He glances up at the owl, matching its curiosity. "Quite possibly. Maybe it looks after the calf. Be a dear and find someone who works here? We can ask them about this pair."

[the_rebel_son]

"For all his maliciousness, Moloch has a kindness toward wild animals." Lucifer mentions while reaching over to stroke the side of the little bull now rubbing up against the two angels' hands. "Bulls, sharks, night creatures, cockatrice, salamanders. I think he would find their forms beautiful."

Lucifer shook his head while looking at the creatures. "Moloch is many things but he has a sense of duty and obligation even in situations others would turn from."

He can't help but think that two pets would be a duty that might be good to Moloch for once instead of inflicting more injury or hate. Lucifer nods. "I will find someone. Are you going to guard them until I return?"

He smiles and touches the angel's shoulder in brotherly affection before wandering off to find a shop employee. In a few minutes he comes back with a rather humanoid looking individual though their skin and hair are not any normal human color.

"He says you're interested in the Shedu and Kipine." The vendor mentions waiting to see what questions the prospective client may have.

[sohoangel]

"Well, these two certainly fit the bill, then." Aziraphale smiles down at the affectionate baby bull. Maybe two animals will be better than one, then, if it will give Moloch more to care about, and he can handle the workload.

Aziraphale chuckles a little at Lucifer's question. "Of course I will, but don't tarry." He smiles at the other angel, then returns his attention to the animals. While Lucifer is gone, he manages to coax the owl-like creature a little closer while he continues to pet the bull. He's in the middle of telling it what a handsome creature it is when Lucifer returns with the employee.

"Yes, I am, although not for myself. They're for a friend who spends a significant time in the Wilds. Tell me, my good shopkeeper, are these two together for a specific reason? Will they continue to get along as they age?"

[the_rebel_son]

The shopkeeper is eager to discuss the wares and get these two into a place that isn't a cage.

"Oh. They will do well in the wilds. They were captured by the same seller and I haven't moved them." He gives the cage a wary look. "The kipine has a nasty temperament and delivered a terrible bite to one of my staff. We haven't tried to move it out of the cage."

The second question he shrugs at because he doesn't know. "The Shedu will grow in intelligence but the kipine will stay at the level of a child. How good is this friend at animal training?"

Lucifer considers this. "The angel in question has an intuitive understanding of wild animals."

"They can both be trained to live together if the angel can manage the kipine's temper with hunting."

[sohoangel]

"Captured?" Aziraphale frowns a little at this, looking at the kipine sympathetically. "Well, no wonder it bites, it was taken from the only life it has ever known. Poor dear. I'll make sure these two stay together, it would be cruel to separate them now."

He glances briefly at Lucifer, then smiles at the shopkeeper. "If there is anyone who can manage an animal's temper by taking it hunting, it's the angel in question." He only hopes that Moloch does not teach the kipine to bite others indiscriminately.

"So, the kipine lives on a meat diet. What about this furry fellow?" He gives the calf another fond scratch behind its ears.

[the_rebel_son]

"Most of these animals are brought to us by merchants and only a few are bred." The shopkeeper informs the angel. "You are interested in purchasing both?" He might have called them beasts but the presence of the well dressed on is powerful and the other has obvious wings. No sense in upsetting either of them.

Lucifer nods in agreement. "I think he will do well training both of them."

"I'm not sure what its natural diet is but it has been willingly consuming meat." The keeper shrugs because this beast certainly isn't from his world.

"Between our libraries I am sure we can find suitable information." Lucifer offers and besides, that would mean sitting with Aziraphale researching in libraries which Lucifer would find well spent friend time.

[sohoangel]

Aziraphale isn't thrilled about people going about capturing wild animals and then selling them as pets, but he can worry about any possible illegal pet trade activity later. The shopkeeper is smart in avoiding calling either creature a beast.

"Even better that he eats meat," the angel muses aloud. He gives Lucifer a nod. "Yes, I'm sure we could gather all the information we need. Let's get both."

[the_rebel_son]

Lucifer nods in agreement. "I wanted to show you my library today. Now, we have the perfect excuse."

Turning to the shopkeeper he glances at Aziraphale and then inquires about cost. Quickly, he discovers the price is not overtly high and gold is accepted. Then he checks in with the other angel.

"Shall I pay? I have an abundance of unused gold." It was an offer without strings. He was glad to see Aziraphale excited and knew that he was looking to bring happiness to one of the more distraught angels that lived in Lucifer's realm.

[sohoangel]

"Excellent." Aziraphale smiles brightly, looking forward to the research ahead of them.

As for Lucifer paying, the angel looks a tad uncertain. Does it really count as a gift coming from him if he's not paying for it himself? It's not as though he has a shortage of money, either, although the shopkeeper might prefer actual gold. "That would make for a smoother transaction," he agrees reluctantly. "But only if I can purchase the necessary accessories."

[the_rebel_son]

Lucifer was in the middle of taking care of payment when he smiles at the other angel. "Accessories and the benefit of taking the new young ones to him. I think you, more than anyone, deserve to see when he feels the faintest happiness. You have been good to him."

Lucifer was serious and grateful for Aziraphale, for this and many other things. "I know where he stays in the wilds."

[sohoangel]

Aziraphale smiles softly, almost bashfully, hoping that these two animals will bring Moloch a bit of happiness, as difficult as it is for him to hold onto that emotion.

"I am looking forward to seeing his reaction," he admits. He looks back at the two young creatures. "And I am happy to give these two a new home."

[the_rebel_son]

Once the payment is cared for the shopkeeper moves the cages above the two animals so that Lucifer can pick it up.

"You will have to tell me how the introduction fairs. I believe you should go to him alone." The older angel picks up the cage and feels bright inside. Lucifer had always aimed to do better than the angels in his own heaven but Aziraphale always seemed to point out where he could go a little farther.

"Shall we find a pet store for you to buy what they will need?"

[sohoangel]

"Alone?" Aziraphale twists his fingers together, his expression shy. He's not afraid of walking through the Wilds as his grace should be enough to protect him, but he also doesn't want to impose on Moloch, who is busy doing Someone knows what on his own. "Well, if you think that's best..."

He straightens his shoulders and smiles, bidding the shopkeeper a good day. "Yes, let's. I believe we passed by one on our way here."

[the_rebel_son]

Lucifer understood the reservations. Moloch was not the easiest to deal with but Aziraphale seemed to have a way with the other angel. "I do not know many who could interrupt him in his natural state. I do believe you are one that could without consequence."

Lucifer picks up the cage, thanks the shopkeeper and prepares to follow Aziraphale. "What do you think they may need?"

Lucifer had what others might call pets, hundreds of them, but he never restricted or kept them with items for them to use. They were mostly wild.

[sohoangel]

"Well, we'll be putting that to the test soon enough," Aziraphale notes dryly, although he does relax in the face of Lucifer's reassurance. Folding his hands over his stomach, he waits for Lucifer to be ready and then heads out of the stalls and back into the Nexus at large.

"It depends on Moloch's set-up in the Wilds. What sort of shelter does he have? The kipine needs a solid perch and the calf some sort of soft material to sleep on. And both of them need grooming tools. That will be an excellent way for Moloch to bond with them, and it will keep them clean and parasite free."

The only pets Aziraphale ever had were the ones he recruited for his magic act, but he did some reading when he purchased Henry and Lazarus, enough to learn a few basic things about caring for young animals.

[the_rebel_son]

"I think you have in the past." He is very sure that Aziraphale will be fine in the wilds with Moloch. Probably safer than most would be.

"He is constantly moving around so light weight and able to pack small would be a benefit." Shelter was something else. Lucifer glanced down at the cage while they walked and then at the angel. "He does not use shelter. I imagine he will serve as the shelter for them."

He didn't mention it but with Moloch's tendency toward self harm the calf would probably be sleeping in angel feathers every night. "I am not always sure of Moloch's influence but I believe he may have some control over parasites. Cleanliness will not be an issue. For all of his darkness Moloch is the angel of purification."

[sohoangel]

Well, if Lucifer believes in him, then perhaps things will go smoothly, after all. (And there's a sentence Aziraphale never expect to think, let alone gain reassurance from.) "All I can do is be myself, although I do think it's a little presumptuous of me to show up unannounced."

Although maybe that doesn't matter since Moloch doesn't even have a structure he calls home. "He doesn't --" The angel sighs and shakes his head. "Of course he doesn't. I'll make sure the perch is one that's easily portable. And even if cleanliness is not an issue, he should regularly groom both animals. Harry never had parasites, but he loved to be brushed. It's a good way for an owner and a pet to spend some quality time together."

Aziraphale turns down the street they had come from, and sure enough, there is a pet supply store on the corner, selling all manner of products. The shop is modern by Earth standards, and the automatic glass doors slide open wide, leaving plenty of room for Lucifer's wings to pass through.

[the_rebel_son]

The worry fit with what Lucifer knew of Aziraphale's sense of etiquette though he shrugged. "When I have looked for Moloch in the wilds there is a tendency for him to notice and start looking for me. It may be the same when you start to look for him."

"Perhaps his shoulder or forearm would be a more viable perch while it is young?" Lucifer was not only thinking about the new additions but also Moloch's aesthetic. "Falconer's gear may be more inline with his lifestyle?"

Lucifer follows and finds himself growing curious about what the other angel might purchase for Moloch. The whole relationship be tween the two is a curiosity to the older angel.

[sohoangel]

Aziraphale has always been on the formal side of etiquette throughout history, his manners thoroughly cemented in the Victorian Era. But Lucifer makes a good point that Moloch will be able to sense his aura, anyway, so he won't catch him by surprise. "Fair enough, dear. You know him better than I do."

"That's not a bad idea, actually. Do you think Moloch will wear the proper equipment?" He's not naive to Moloch's propensity for self-harm and does not like the idea of him letting the owl-like creature inadvertently scratch him with its talons. But leather ties on the kipine's feet will make it clear that it belongs to someone. "We'll see what they have."

The sections of the store are more or less organized by the type of pet, although such distinctions can get a little hazy in the Nexus. Aziraphale heads towards the bird (or 'feathered creature' as it is labeled) section, as that applies to both animals to some extent. He picks up grooming supplies for their wings, then heads over to the falconry equipment. "When we do a little more research for these two, I'd like to learn how quickly they'll grow. Moloch will need to come back here at some point... or I can for him, if he doesn't want to." The florescent lights and cheerful music playing over the speakers might grate on the angel's nerves.

[the_rebel_son]

Lucifer smiles and a quiet laugh escapes but he doesn't mention Moloch cuddling with Aziraphale.

"Moloch wears black leather. A gauntlet and shoulder perch is something he would wear though I am not sure the ankle leashes would be appropriate for the kipine if it will be intelligent. Perhaps something more jewelry like would be appropriate." He was thinking out loud while they walk through the shop toward bird items.

He takes a long silent moment to consider Aziraphale's comments. "He has other options for future gear if he does not want to come into the plaza or you could visit them from time to time."

No harm in encouraging their friendship or whatever it is they are developing.

[sohoangel]

That was one time, and Moloch was a bunny, besides. As much as Aziraphale fondly remembers that encounter, he's not assuming that Moloch will always be that sociable.

"Well, so long as it matches his aesthetic," he murmurs with some amusement. He picks up a shoulder perch and gauntlet, both in black, which will be a good fit for Moloch. "I don't see anything jewelry-like here that would -- oh! What about these?" There are some leather ankle leashes that are braided in a light and dark monochrome. "They're much prettier than the traditional ones. What do you think, dear?" He addresses this to the kipine in the cage, holding them up for it to see. "Would you like to wear these?"

Once that's settled, Aziraphale will move on to the section meant for furred creatures to pick up a nice grooming brush for the little bull, something bristly that will give a good scratch. "Depending on how well this goes, I can certainly do that... I would like to see how his pets are getting on, too." He has a feeling he'll see little of Moloch, otherwise.