Even before Balthazar explains why he asked about a telepathic connection, Aziraphale has a sense of where he's going with it. The angel had expressed his loneliness before, and Aziraphale understands. Empathizes with it, to a certain extent. Heaven can be very lonely for an angel who is too soft to fight, who would rather give his sword away to the poor humans and make polite conversation with the demon who tempted them.
But Aziraphale has never been truly alone. He's always had Crowley. It'd never occur to him to court the affections of a fallen angel because he's had Crowley's affection, from the very beginning.
(Platonic affection, he corrects himself automatically.)
The comment on judging others for their choices makes him wince unconsciously. But at least Balthazar acknowledges his fears. And he still has them, the power differential chief among them. He lets Balthazar finish uninterrupted, then takes another long sip of his spiked cocoa while he considers what to say in return.
"...I can do that," he says finally. "I already intended to, anyway, after speaking with his High Chancellor. I suppose if I am to be on civil terms with a Lucifer, the Nexus is the most appropriate place for it." He purses his lips before adding, "But will you at least try to be careful? I mean, if you're going to be so close to him, there are likely precautions that you can ask him to take..."
Aziraphale can be oblivious at times, but even he realizes that he sounds like he's about to give Balthazar The Talk, and he awkwardly clears his throat. "I... ah. I don't want you to get hurt. Or worse. You're the only unfallen angel I can currently -- I could ever -- call a friend."
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But Aziraphale has never been truly alone. He's always had Crowley. It'd never occur to him to court the affections of a fallen angel because he's had Crowley's affection, from the very beginning.
(Platonic affection, he corrects himself automatically.)
The comment on judging others for their choices makes him wince unconsciously. But at least Balthazar acknowledges his fears. And he still has them, the power differential chief among them. He lets Balthazar finish uninterrupted, then takes another long sip of his spiked cocoa while he considers what to say in return.
"...I can do that," he says finally. "I already intended to, anyway, after speaking with his High Chancellor. I suppose if I am to be on civil terms with a Lucifer, the Nexus is the most appropriate place for it." He purses his lips before adding, "But will you at least try to be careful? I mean, if you're going to be so close to him, there are likely precautions that you can ask him to take..."
Aziraphale can be oblivious at times, but even he realizes that he sounds like he's about to give Balthazar The Talk, and he awkwardly clears his throat. "I... ah. I don't want you to get hurt. Or worse. You're the only unfallen angel I can currently -- I could ever -- call a friend."