At Your Service

Aziraphale's Assignment Keeps Refusing to Start. But is That About to Change?

"Hello, everyone." Aziraphale addresses the table in front of him, before handing off the dishes in his arms one by one.

"I believe this alfredo is yours...and this parmigiana is yours...and we can't forget the lovely vegan option, can we?"

Once he's finished, he backs away, and asks, "How well have I been able to serve you? Is there anything else I can do for you today?"

When everyone shakes their head, Aziraphale assures them, "Then I shall return with your beverages promptly.", then walks away, right as a fellow server, Tracy, praises,

"If that isn't a personal record, it should be! How many dishes are you up to now? 25?"

Aziraphale reminds her, "I haven't stopped practicing."

Tracy asks, "Remind me why again? There is no shame in going back for a second trip."

Aziraphale sighs in exasperation, but just replies, "Would the International Butler Academy would settle for multiple trips? Absolutely not. And with a tray? Even worse."

Tracy remarks, "Oh no, can't have that, now can we?"

Aziraphale starts pouring wine as he reminds her, "Not everyone is cut out for Butling, I'm afraid."

Tracy laughs, "Did you just say 'butling'?"

Aziraphale nods, "That's the official term for the butler profession. Butling."

Tracy takes that in for a moment, then reaches out for a poured glass to set it on a tray, then changes the subject, "Speaking of which, any news?"

Aziraphale sighs in resignation, "No I have not. I really need the International Butler academy to accept me. And the sooner the better."

Tracy picks up the tray, then as she walks away, promises, "Well, here's to hoping they will!"

Much later, when Aziraphale's back in the comfort of his own bookshop, he's just sorting the mail when he sees what he's been waiting for: the very fancy looking envelope containing his acceptance or rejection into the International Butler Academy.

He finds a letter opener and cuts it open neatly, taking care not to pull on the stationary too hard so as not to ruin it, and reads it slowly.

Dear Ezra Fell,

Thank you for your interest in applying to the International Butler Academy. But unfortunately after a very careful review of your application, it is with the utmost regret that I must tell you we will not be accepting you among our incoming class.

No need to read further, so Aziraphale shakes his head, then tosses the letter on his desk.

"Mr. Fell? Are you still here?" Mrs. Young calls out as she wanders into the bookshop. "I just wanted to invite you over for dinner."

"I'm back here, Mrs. Young." the angel calls out, not bothering to hide his disappointment.

Thankfully Mrs. Young seems to have already picked up on this, as once she sees him, she only asks, "You received another rejection, didn't you?"

Aziraphale nods, "Yes, I'm afraid I did."

Mrs. Young sits in a chair across from him, "I'm sorry, Mr. Fell.", then as an afterthought, "Well, does this mean you can finally come back to the bookshop full time? My husband and I both agree you're working too hard."

Aziraphale chuckles at the younger woman's inquiries, then replies, "If I am, I learned it from watching you raise your son."

Mrs. Young objects, "But you're being sent there on assignment from a boss you refuse to let us help you deal with! And that your connections-"