[Jaskier follows the directions and soon comes walking down the correct hall.
What a lovely sight: Anthony being framed by the bright snow outside. The contrast of his red hair and dark clothing against the white light is rather striking.]
I seem to have arrived in one piece. Shall we see if the trend continues?
If you'd gotten yourself killed here, of all places, I'd be terribly disappointed.
[It's literally Santa's house, nothing bad can happen here.
He does give Jaskier a grin, though, and makes a dramatic, sweeping gesture to invite him into the room.]
Welcome to my humble... room? Abode isn't right, there's not enough of it to call it a proper home, but I suppose it's — anyway. Come on in.
[He's going to shut up now and move aside so Jaskier can head in.
The structure of the room isn't too dissimilar to the others in the Pole, there's a bed, a fireplace, a very large window that looks out over the snow, but it's clear that Crowley has done a lot of redecorating. Anything overly kitchy and Christmas-y has been removed, the bedspread is a dark grey, the small sofa is black leather, and there's a very posh & well stocked bar cart set against a wall. There are no twinkly fairy lights or overstuffed throw cushions in sight.
There are, however, several very beautiful indoor plants, sitting on simple sleek stands near the windows where they can get the most light. It had felt strange and empty without them, so he's done his best to bring a little life into the room.
It also occurs to him that this is the first time someone other than Aziraphale has been in here, which is odd, but it's fine, he can be cool and normal about it. Probably.]
[His talent for getting himself into dangerous situations he has no business being in, that is.]
Living quarters? Chambers? Boudoir?
[Jaskier practically skips into the room, pleased with the implications of Anthony allowing him into his private space. The platonic implications, of course.
He does a (fruity) little twirl as he looks around, taking in the whole room.]
I simply love what you've done with the place. Very representative of your whole-
[Rather than finishing the sentence, he just gestures at Anthony's entire being.
He throws himself across the length of the sofa and makes himself comfortable without invitation. This is a surprising sign of trust from his new friend and he's choosing to act likes he belongs.
[Note to self: make sure Jaskier doesn't manage to get himself killed at the North Pole.]
A boudoir, is it?
[With the implication that calling it a boudoir is probably a tiny bit dangerous, so he's going to gently call Jaskier out, but he won't deny it either.
He does accept the compliment with a (fruity) wave of his hand, moving to the bar cart while Jaskier makes himself comfortable.]
Vibe might be the word you're looking for, if you'd like to be modern about it.
[That's what the kids are using, these days, as much as Crowley pays attention to current slang. Fashion and music are two things he'll try to keep up with, but slang changes so damn quickly that he often can't keep track.]
[Manhattans it is, then. Crowley's going to get started on those while he shoots Jaskier a dry (but amused) look.]
It's sort of fascinating what concepts exist across universes. I figure there's a bit of translation happening by this whole place, but you've obviously got a similar enough sentiment.
[Any coolness is ruined by Crowley being a fucking nerd, alas.
But he does make a mean Manhattan; he brings both glasses over, offering one to Jaskier. He's been generous with the cherries, and they're brandied cherries, not the awful bright red maraschino cherries that are stocked in most bars.]
It is fascinating. You world doesn't have Witchers, so it makes sense that you've no word for them that you'd recognize. But our two worlds developed completely independent of each other, scientifically and culturally, yet we are able to communicate with nuance. It makes you wonder how it all works.
[He sits up and takes the offered drink without pausing his speech.]
When I say Witcher, are you hearing the word I'm speaking or a word modified by the translation? If I start speaking in Hen Linge, esse the veshe me logyn?*
[He takes a sip.]
Oh, that is just splendid, and this chaise is extremely comfortable. Anthony, you've been holding out on me!
[There's a reason that Crowley's been drawn to humans who are clever; he's been around so long that most conversations have become tedious, unless there's a new or interesting concept that he can dig into.
He sprawls out in the armchair — it's a sort of instinct, not to sit too close — with one leg kicked up over the arm of the chair as he listens to Jaskier.]
The yetis are very accommodating, m'sure you could ask them for a chaise.
[Addressing that first, so he can dig into the meat of things.]
Unfortunately, I'm not the person to test the translation on. Languages sort of come baked in, so I'd understand you without whatever function is here. Comprenez-vous?
[He will test if it works backwards, and French unsurprisingly comes to mind.]
Makes you wonder about things like... [He waves a hand through the air as he casts about for a word.] Sandwiches. Pieces of bread with meat and cheese in between. We call it that 'cause a bloke named Sandwich invented it, who likely doesn't exist where you're from, but I imagine if you were to talk about one, I'd hear it as sandwich.
Even languages not from your world? You continue to prove yourself to be a singularly fascinating creature, my friend.
[Not creature in a dehumanizing way, but in the unique, one-of-a-kind way.]
I do understand, but there is something of an awareness that you're deliberately not speaking a language I'm familiar with, rather than the natural way we've been conversing in our most comfortable tongues. [Obligatory eyebrow waggle at "tongues".]
You know, that is a funny point.
I go by Jaskier, but the word itself means 'buttercup'. I wonder: did you hear two different words, or did you hear buttercup twice?
[Oh, this could actually make for some interesting wordplay no matter what the answer is. A poem taking advantage of unique and universal concepts from all these realms...
Anthony is turning out to be a very inspiring interim-muse while Jaskier remains dreadfully Witcher-less.]
[Kind of interesting to be called a creature in a complimentary way but he can roll with it.]
S'just a demon thing, suppose it's more about... intent than having an actual knowledge of the language.
[He doesn't know if that makes sense; it's difficult to explain something innate, but Aziraphale can't speak French easily because he doesn't want to, he prefers doing it the hard way, so their own intentions are as much part of it.
Jaskier earns an amused look for the eyebrow waggle, but it is an interesting aspect of the translation, that he can tell that Crowley is intentionally speaking something other than English, regardless of whether Jaskier even knows the English language in the first place.]
Two different words. [The look that Crowley gives him makes it clear he pinged that "go by" and has an idea that it means Jaskier isn't his given name. The look also makes it clear that he kind of thinks that's adorable.] It comes back to intent, I'd think. S'like if I was purposefully translating from one language to another, I'd keep someone's name as if was, not give the literal meaning.
So the translation magic works similarly to your own ability. Though, we could be completely off base using you as an example as someone with those inherent powers. It could be interfering with our results.
Really the best way to figure this out would be to get a larger sample size. Not now, of course, but at eventually. For the scientific process.
[Jaskier doesn't have the decency to look even a little ashamed at the callout. He is adorable, after all.]
Well I couldn't very well go by Julian, could I? No one'd recall a bard named Julian, there are Julians everywhere. No-- Jaskier is a name to remember, and it suits me just as well.
[It's clearly very normal to name yourself after a weed, Anthony, he doesn't understand why you're even focusing on it!]
And there's something to be said for the names we choose for ourselves, is there not?
I think you'd have earned a few more odd looks if you were going around introducing yourself as Buttercup.
[Which means that the translation function likely does work similarly and it isn't just Crowley being an outlier who shouldn't be counted. He is vaguely interested in getting a larger sample size, but it's mostly the conversational, theoretical side of scientific inquiry that he enjoy, not as much the hard data.]
There are a lot of Julians. [Are there? He does try to think of any famous Julians and mostly comes up blank, so that's a point for Jaskier.] Jaskier does certainly suit you.
[Hm. Note to self: call Jaskier 'buttercup' every now and then. If someone overhears, they'll likely think it's a teasing nickname.
You know what, it's only fair that Jaskier calls him out since he did the same. He raises his drink in a toast/acknowledgement of a well played game.]
What, you don't think demons come with names like Anthony?
Ah, but odd looks for an odd name means that they'll remember me.
[It's the perfect crime.]
Of course it suits me.
You know, I almost went by Dandelion? I was stuck between the two, then someone told me that Buttercup was too feminine-[He makes a face to show exactly what he thinks about that comment.]-and there it was, decision made. Dandelion wasn't catchy enough, anyway.
[If Anthony ever calls him 'buttercup', Jaskier will be beside himself with delight.]
I think I know the look of a man who chose for himself.
[False. He was making a dramatic statement about himself and Anthony admitted to being caught in the crossfire, but he's certainly not going to let opportunity pass him by now that she's shown her comely face.]
[Crowley has a special skill; he's able to make a sentence sound like both a tease and a compliment all in one. Is Jaskier being memorable a good or bad thing? It's impossible to tell.
He does, however, look clearly amused and approving of Jaskier saying 'fuck that' to gender nonsense.]
You'd have ended up getting called Dandy, knowing how humans feel about nicknames. Not sure if that has the connotations for you that it does for me.
[There's another language example! Does Jaskier's world have the concept of a dandy? If they don't, is there a similar term the translation function will use? Much to think about.]
It was Antonio, originally, but I modernized it a bit over the years. The name I had in Hell was much worse than Julian, but that's where Crowley comes from and I added the first name about six hundred years ago.
[This isn't something he talks about much, but it isn't really a secret, there's just no one to talk about it with; demons don't care about the intricacies of human names and he can't let humans know that he's an immortal demon, so.]
[A compliment!!! Jaskier is going to hoard it away because he runs on attention, but especially positive feedback.]
I would get called that no matter what I go by.
[He doesn't sound too bothered by it.
(Listen. I know "dandy" has historical and cultural context that would not apply in the Witcher universe, but I think it's funny so I do what I want.)]
[Mystery solved; there's a rough enough equivalent of dandy that Jaskier understands the reference. Delightful.]
Nothing wrong with that, really. I used to get it every now and then, mostly on account of not bothering with gendered clothing.
[Looking at you, grave robbing outfit with your snatched waist.
He makes a dismissive sound, stopping just shy of sticking his tongue out at Jaskier, though he does make a face at him. He's just being silly, though, rather than actually being offended at the joke.]
Please, that'd be Aziraphale if he ever tried a human name. You don't see me wearing clothes from a century ago.
to quote aabria iyengar "let it be said: i know what i'm doing, and i do what i want"
[Crowley's eyebrows go up at that little overreaction, but he won't call Jaskier out on it.
For now, at least. Time may change things.]
That's 'cause they haven't. Most people buy their clothes as is, they're made in bulk and hardly fit anyone properly.
[Crowley, who miracles his clothes into existence, is an outlier and shouldn't be counted. Nor should Aziraphale, who does actually have a tailor.]
He might introduce himself as Mr. Fell, if he's being ridiculous. [(affectionate)] But nah, he's mostly just Aziraphale. Isn't exactly a name that you can adapt to human expectations easily. Suppose he never cared enough to bother, I've always been the one of us more likely to blend in.
[Crowley is gonna take Jaskier to a Primark and do 6d6 psychic damage on the poor man.]
You've got that right, he's really not the nickname type.
[This is why Crowley just calls him "angel". Much less of a mouthful.]
Nah, humans where I'm from stopped believing in things like me a long time ago. [People still believe in God, of course, but most people don't think an actual demon is going to be hanging about on Earth.] Not to mention they never took too kindly to a demon.
[This is putting it very mildly, considering he's been discorporated once or twice by humans who found out what he was.]
S'just me and Aziraphale most of the time on Earth, anyway, it's easier to pretend to be human. They usually know something isn't quite right about us, but most of them don't want to think too hard about that sort of thing, so they make up explanations. Usually that we're queer and have a lot of money. Eccentric old poofs can get away with a lot.
[Jaskier is going to fail his wisdom saving throw and take 25 psychic damage. He'll be making death saves. This world is an unfashionable and dangerous place.]
At least you're not likely to be hunted down by a rabid mob.
[Anthony's explanation gets a raised eyebrow.]
I mean, and forgive me if I'm overstepping my bounds, it doesn't seem like they're making much up with that one.
[Self-recognition through the Other. Twink-on-twink violence.]
[To be fair, the angry mob thing only happened a handful of times throughout history, and usually because he did something stupid that he probably shouldn't have done.
Story of his life.
His eyebrows go up at that comment, and he tries very hard to look stern, but it fails when he laughs.]
Oh, I'm absolutely an eccentric old poof and m'not exactly trying to hide it. Once I figured out that humans use fashion to communicate that sort of thing, I was all about it.
[There's some complicated feelings tied up in that, about Aziraphale, about Heaven and Hell, but it's also very simple in some ways. He just wants to look gay, and that isn't a crime.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
> action
[That's a lie; he's actually just going to stick his whole self out the door, leaning against the doorframe so he can keep an eye out for Jaskier.]
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What a lovely sight: Anthony being framed by the bright snow outside. The contrast of his red hair and dark clothing against the white light is rather striking.]
I seem to have arrived in one piece. Shall we see if the trend continues?
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[It's literally Santa's house, nothing bad can happen here.
He does give Jaskier a grin, though, and makes a dramatic, sweeping gesture to invite him into the room.]
Welcome to my humble... room? Abode isn't right, there's not enough of it to call it a proper home, but I suppose it's — anyway. Come on in.
[He's going to shut up now and move aside so Jaskier can head in.
The structure of the room isn't too dissimilar to the others in the Pole, there's a bed, a fireplace, a very large window that looks out over the snow, but it's clear that Crowley has done a lot of redecorating. Anything overly kitchy and Christmas-y has been removed, the bedspread is a dark grey, the small sofa is black leather, and there's a very posh & well stocked bar cart set against a wall. There are no twinkly fairy lights or overstuffed throw cushions in sight.
There are, however, several very beautiful indoor plants, sitting on simple sleek stands near the windows where they can get the most light. It had felt strange and empty without them, so he's done his best to bring a little life into the room.
It also occurs to him that this is the first time someone other than Aziraphale has been in here, which is odd, but it's fine, he can be cool and normal about it. Probably.]
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[His talent for getting himself into dangerous situations he has no business being in, that is.]
Living quarters? Chambers? Boudoir?
[Jaskier practically skips into the room, pleased with the implications of Anthony allowing him into his private space. The platonic implications, of course.
He does a (fruity) little twirl as he looks around, taking in the whole room.]
I simply love what you've done with the place. Very representative of your whole-
[Rather than finishing the sentence, he just gestures at Anthony's entire being.
He throws himself across the length of the sofa and makes himself comfortable without invitation. This is a surprising sign of trust from his new friend and he's choosing to act likes he belongs.
Jaskier can also be cool and normal about it.]
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A boudoir, is it?
[With the implication that calling it a boudoir is probably a tiny bit dangerous, so he's going to gently call Jaskier out, but he won't deny it either.
He does accept the compliment with a (fruity) wave of his hand, moving to the bar cart while Jaskier makes himself comfortable.]
Vibe might be the word you're looking for, if you'd like to be modern about it.
[That's what the kids are using, these days, as much as Crowley pays attention to current slang. Fashion and music are two things he'll try to keep up with, but slang changes so damn quickly that he often can't keep track.]
How do you feel about cherries?
[He's going somewhere with that.]
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[He tests out the words, then nods when he deems it acceptable and files it away for future use. This place is fascinating.]
Cherries? I've none left myself, but I find the fruit quite appetizing.
[There's a rakish grin on his face. Because he's incorrigible.]
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It's sort of fascinating what concepts exist across universes. I figure there's a bit of translation happening by this whole place, but you've obviously got a similar enough sentiment.
[Any coolness is ruined by Crowley being a fucking nerd, alas.
But he does make a mean Manhattan; he brings both glasses over, offering one to Jaskier. He's been generous with the cherries, and they're brandied cherries, not the awful bright red maraschino cherries that are stocked in most bars.]
no subject
It is fascinating. You world doesn't have Witchers, so it makes sense that you've no word for them that you'd recognize. But our two worlds developed completely independent of each other, scientifically and culturally, yet we are able to communicate with nuance. It makes you wonder how it all works.
[He sits up and takes the offered drink without pausing his speech.]
When I say Witcher, are you hearing the word I'm speaking or a word modified by the translation? If I start speaking in Hen Linge, esse the veshe me logyn?*
[He takes a sip.]
Oh, that is just splendid, and this chaise is extremely comfortable. Anthony, you've been holding out on me!
*Elder Speech, will you understand me?
no subject
He sprawls out in the armchair — it's a sort of instinct, not to sit too close — with one leg kicked up over the arm of the chair as he listens to Jaskier.]
The yetis are very accommodating, m'sure you could ask them for a chaise.
[Addressing that first, so he can dig into the meat of things.]
Unfortunately, I'm not the person to test the translation on. Languages sort of come baked in, so I'd understand you without whatever function is here. Comprenez-vous?
[He will test if it works backwards, and French unsurprisingly comes to mind.]
Makes you wonder about things like... [He waves a hand through the air as he casts about for a word.] Sandwiches. Pieces of bread with meat and cheese in between. We call it that 'cause a bloke named Sandwich invented it, who likely doesn't exist where you're from, but I imagine if you were to talk about one, I'd hear it as sandwich.
no subject
[Not creature in a dehumanizing way, but in the unique, one-of-a-kind way.]
I do understand, but there is something of an awareness that you're deliberately not speaking a language I'm familiar with, rather than the natural way we've been conversing in our most comfortable tongues. [Obligatory eyebrow waggle at "tongues".]
You know, that is a funny point.
I go by Jaskier, but the word itself means 'buttercup'. I wonder: did you hear two different words, or did you hear buttercup twice?
[Oh, this could actually make for some interesting wordplay no matter what the answer is. A poem taking advantage of unique and universal concepts from all these realms...
Anthony is turning out to be a very inspiring interim-muse while Jaskier remains dreadfully Witcher-less.]
no subject
S'just a demon thing, suppose it's more about... intent than having an actual knowledge of the language.
[He doesn't know if that makes sense; it's difficult to explain something innate, but Aziraphale can't speak French easily because he doesn't want to, he prefers doing it the hard way, so their own intentions are as much part of it.
Jaskier earns an amused look for the eyebrow waggle, but it is an interesting aspect of the translation, that he can tell that Crowley is intentionally speaking something other than English, regardless of whether Jaskier even knows the English language in the first place.]
Two different words. [The look that Crowley gives him makes it clear he pinged that "go by" and has an idea that it means Jaskier isn't his given name. The look also makes it clear that he kind of thinks that's adorable.] It comes back to intent, I'd think. S'like if I was purposefully translating from one language to another, I'd keep someone's name as if was, not give the literal meaning.
[And now he's going to call him out:]
Buttercup, hm?
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Really the best way to figure this out would be to get a larger sample size. Not now, of course, but at eventually. For the scientific process.
[Jaskier doesn't have the decency to look even a little ashamed at the callout. He is adorable, after all.]
Well I couldn't very well go by Julian, could I? No one'd recall a bard named Julian, there are Julians everywhere. No-- Jaskier is a name to remember, and it suits me just as well.
[It's clearly very normal to name yourself after a weed, Anthony, he doesn't understand why you're even focusing on it!]
And there's something to be said for the names we choose for ourselves, is there not?
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[Which means that the translation function likely does work similarly and it isn't just Crowley being an outlier who shouldn't be counted. He is vaguely interested in getting a larger sample size, but it's mostly the conversational, theoretical side of scientific inquiry that he enjoy, not as much the hard data.]
There are a lot of Julians. [Are there? He does try to think of any famous Julians and mostly comes up blank, so that's a point for Jaskier.] Jaskier does certainly suit you.
[Hm. Note to self: call Jaskier 'buttercup' every now and then. If someone overhears, they'll likely think it's a teasing nickname.
You know what, it's only fair that Jaskier calls him out since he did the same. He raises his drink in a toast/acknowledgement of a well played game.]
What, you don't think demons come with names like Anthony?
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[It's the perfect crime.]
Of course it suits me.
You know, I almost went by Dandelion? I was stuck between the two, then someone told me that Buttercup was too feminine-[He makes a face to show exactly what he thinks about that comment.]-and there it was, decision made. Dandelion wasn't catchy enough, anyway.
[If Anthony ever calls him 'buttercup', Jaskier will be beside himself with delight.]
I think I know the look of a man who chose for himself.
[False. He was making a dramatic statement about himself and Anthony admitted to being caught in the crossfire, but he's certainly not going to let opportunity pass him by now that she's shown her comely face.]
no subject
[Crowley has a special skill; he's able to make a sentence sound like both a tease and a compliment all in one. Is Jaskier being memorable a good or bad thing? It's impossible to tell.
He does, however, look clearly amused and approving of Jaskier saying 'fuck that' to gender nonsense.]
You'd have ended up getting called Dandy, knowing how humans feel about nicknames. Not sure if that has the connotations for you that it does for me.
[There's another language example! Does Jaskier's world have the concept of a dandy? If they don't, is there a similar term the translation function will use? Much to think about.]
It was Antonio, originally, but I modernized it a bit over the years. The name I had in Hell was much worse than Julian, but that's where Crowley comes from and I added the first name about six hundred years ago.
[This isn't something he talks about much, but it isn't really a secret, there's just no one to talk about it with; demons don't care about the intricacies of human names and he can't let humans know that he's an immortal demon, so.]
no subject
I would get called that no matter what I go by.
[He doesn't sound too bothered by it.
(Listen. I know "dandy" has historical and cultural context that would not apply in the Witcher universe, but I think it's funny so I do what I want.)]
You must still be adjusting to it, then.
[Ha ha, an immortality joke!]
sometimes you gotta do whatever's funniest
Nothing wrong with that, really. I used to get it every now and then, mostly on account of not bothering with gendered clothing.
[Looking at you, grave robbing outfit with your snatched waist.
He makes a dismissive sound, stopping just shy of sticking his tongue out at Jaskier, though he does make a face at him. He's just being silly, though, rather than actually being offended at the joke.]
Please, that'd be Aziraphale if he ever tried a human name. You don't see me wearing clothes from a century ago.
to quote aabria iyengar "let it be said: i know what i'm doing, and i do what i want"
Okay, Jaskier, you gotta act smooth.]
Well it's not like I'd be able to tell. Most of you look like you've never even met a proper tailor!
[And then, soooo casually:]
So Aziraphale's never gone by anything else?
if aabria said it then it must be true
For now, at least. Time may change things.]
That's 'cause they haven't. Most people buy their clothes as is, they're made in bulk and hardly fit anyone properly.
[Crowley, who miracles his clothes into existence, is an outlier and shouldn't be counted. Nor should Aziraphale, who does actually have a tailor.]
He might introduce himself as Mr. Fell, if he's being ridiculous. [(affectionate)] But nah, he's mostly just Aziraphale. Isn't exactly a name that you can adapt to human expectations easily. Suppose he never cared enough to bother, I've always been the one of us more likely to blend in.
amen
He should stick with the mononym.[Not that he's biased or anything.] "Azira" doesn't suit him. [He says, still yet to meet the man.]
Blending in... Do your humans not know what you are, then?
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You've got that right, he's really not the nickname type.
[This is why Crowley just calls him "angel". Much less of a mouthful.]
Nah, humans where I'm from stopped believing in things like me a long time ago. [People still believe in God, of course, but most people don't think an actual demon is going to be hanging about on Earth.] Not to mention they never took too kindly to a demon.
[This is putting it very mildly, considering he's been discorporated once or twice by humans who found out what he was.]
S'just me and Aziraphale most of the time on Earth, anyway, it's easier to pretend to be human. They usually know something isn't quite right about us, but most of them don't want to think too hard about that sort of thing, so they make up explanations. Usually that we're queer and have a lot of money. Eccentric old poofs can get away with a lot.
no subject
At least you're not likely to be hunted down by a rabid mob.
[Anthony's explanation gets a raised eyebrow.]
I mean, and forgive me if I'm overstepping my bounds, it doesn't seem like they're making much up with that one.
[Self-recognition through the Other. Twink-on-twink violence.]
no subject
[To be fair, the angry mob thing only happened a handful of times throughout history, and usually because he did something stupid that he probably shouldn't have done.
Story of his life.
His eyebrows go up at that comment, and he tries very hard to look stern, but it fails when he laughs.]
Oh, I'm absolutely an eccentric old poof and m'not exactly trying to hide it. Once I figured out that humans use fashion to communicate that sort of thing, I was all about it.
[There's some complicated feelings tied up in that, about Aziraphale, about Heaven and Hell, but it's also very simple in some ways. He just wants to look gay, and that isn't a crime.]