sword_breaker | Myth!AU

[There's a slight wind to give signs that colder weather was going to hit the city at some point but otherwise the chill didn't faze many much with the sun pouring down rays without any resistance from white wisps streaking across blue. Another busy work day for most people as they packed the sidewalks in order to accomplish whatever the day asked of them to do, some of them heading off towards lunch break even as the afternoon brought along ease in traffic after the rushing around or rather dead still in the morning commutes that always came like clockwork. The towering skyscrapers piercing above while scattered about were busy shops and apartment complexes ranging to the higher end of the spectrum, fortunate for several residents of them being close to where they worked usually.

However it didn't matter much to the man lying face first towards the blue in an alley, red bursts staining his shirt in an act of fatal defiance against the fabric. He wasn't caring about anything anymore. Pools of crimson have congealing into a sticky mess at his side to keep company with the broken body though it was a waste honestly. A barrier of yellow and black tape announcing the crime scene as if the body and the blood weren't enough already to do so. Officers scurrying about to comb through every little thing in order to scrounge up evidence ranging from fingerprints to shell casings while a medical examiner started jotting down notes as though it were a race.

To be fair, it was a race that was ticking away for all of them but yet he didn't exactly have to put so much effort into finding out the who, why and whatnot of this particular case. Never really showed interest in the exact details of a person's death as it wasn't under his job description nor would he if paid enough, more so content enough with the tasks that were scheduled for him to do. He sends a confirmation of his arrival with a quick text before stowing away the smart phone into his back pocket and assessing the fussing police. No doubt Matthieu was going to blow his phone up with messages after getting the answer but that could be ignored.

Passing underneath the tape, the man eased through the scene with no problems coming from the uniformed others. Though that was the point of having such a decent illusion in order to essentially make him invisible, allowing a much easier time accomplishing his tasks without the stupid questions that would be raised at his presence much less what he would do here. He had the slight frown that could've been considered appropriate for the situation but the claw marks and irrevocably damaged right eye would certainly cause a more sinister thought process to occur. Maybe even be considered as a hit man that had down the crime but to be fair he didn't hunt unless told otherwise and certainly not boring humans such as this idiot. Besides a man decked in a suit stood out in this mess with much help to his disregard of everything save for the dead man who certainly was still brimming with the confused energy of a trapped soul. Definitely need to rectify that.

James crouched down right next to the examiner and fished out a knife before making an incision right at the heart before reaching down to draw out the reluctant soul. The reaper was only doing his job and besides no one was going to see him do his work, not the police nor the surrounding crowd of onlookers.

He was looking forward to the break after this one, sneak away towards his usual haunt; a coffee shop that boasted fantastic blends that were more so a necessity at this rate rather than a mere commodity and plus the perfect spot he claimed by the window in order to watch the world keep moving. The energy from the illusion would be easily restored during that. Then it would be another one in midtown before being able to return back home for the day and unwind. That or check with the bar to make sure a friend or two didn't snoop around more than they should. The former was going to be the most probable though so he shows the other idea to the back of his mind before focusing.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Oh. That's something he hadn't expected, but if James trusts him enough to be so close he's more than willing to hold him. Tentatively he reaches out to wraps his arms around the man's waist, humming under his breath and leaning over to press a soft kiss to his temple.]

[Another pleased noise slips out from the reaper and he simply curls further into the dullahan's lap, nuzzling gently. Everything that he had done today was worthwhile in the end so long as he had Liam still sticking around and the both of them being safe as much as content. He didn't care if his apartment had been made a mess or if he had to divulge his past.

Liam made all of it worthwhile.]

Promise.

[He's quiet, and the words are all but whispered into James' hair as he gently noses the man's temple.]

Promise I'll protect you. If you're not already saving my sorry butt.

[There's a quiet laugh, and he traces slow patters along the reaper's side.]

[A low hum slips out as he nuzzles into his shoulder and pressing into the gentle touches, closing his eyes while he works. This was so much better compared to the earlier messes he handled.]

I promise too. I'll fight for you until you don't want me to.

Better get used to it then, 'cause that's never going to happen.

[And he really does mean what he says. It's been far more than he'd ever thought he'd get when he'd first chatted up the reaper in the streets, and he's so entirely grateful for that.]

Ugh...I um thank you. Seriously.

[This isn't what he thought would happen compared to when all of this started. When he decided to start up a shaky relationship with someone that he knew how to hunt and fight. Instead he wound up using his knowledge to protect and recover him.]

The bed has more room by the way.

[Oh, that's certainly a suggestion. There's an inkling in the back of his brain, but he quells it. Right now is for making sure James is alright and comfortable, not for his own sidetracked thoughts.]

Tired? C'mon, probably super comfortable too.

[He presses a small, loving kiss to the reaper's temple.]

[He wasn't meaning it in a suggestive way at all. More so he would be more than happy to be on a piece of furniture that hadn't been ravaged by a headless and infuriated dullahan. That and there was truly more room on a bed so they could spread out.]

Not tired but more space.

[The reaper slides out of his lap and heads off towards the stairs. He can handle getting up there on his own. Bad enough that he was consoled so much during the ride back to the apartment.]

Space is good.

[He's not thrilled to lose contact with the reaper, but he allows the man his space. This is about James, not about him, after all. So he follows along quietly behind the man.]

Easier to curl up. Especially on something that doesn't have cushions losing stuffing.

[The reaper was keen on reestablishing the contact with the dullahan whenever they reached the upstairs. His hand seeking out the other's with a low hum.]

Company is better.

Well good that I can be that company then.

[He gives a reassuring squeeze to the reaper's hand, letting him lead the way.]

Always going to be so until you decide not to be. That's how it works.

[Guiding him into the bedroom, he tugs him over and onto the bed with a content sigh. This was much better than the couch. Honestly he probably needed to go ahead and admit that thing was toast and should pick one out tomorrow when he takes a moment off.]

Uh, well, better not get sick of me 'cause that isn't happening ever.

[He allows himself to be led, reaching over to wind his arms around James when they're both all settled. It's quiet, it's close, and it's a small sign of support for the reaper.]

Not goin' anywhere.

[The reaper hesitates before crumbling into him, burying his face into his shoulder as he curls up. He doesn't want to condense himself so much but the dull ache in his chest still dully pulses even as the charm continues to work itself into his system.]

If you say so.

I do. 'cause it's the truth.

[One hand cards up to cradle the back of the reaper's head, fingers gently combing through his hair. It's odd, being so gentle, but it feels almost natural at the same time. Anything to help ease some of James' pain.]

Ok then.

[He gives a small nod at the words but mostly at the gentle touches roaming about his head, tilting back into them with a sigh. His face ducking back down into the dullahan's shirt before reaching a hand up to gently cling to Liam's shirt as much as block things out. His thumb reaching up to slowly rub and turn a ring on a finger.

It was old and worn but certainly well taken care of. He doesn't exactly remember where it came from but he knows that it's important and it makes him feel safe. The one thing that no one could dare take away.]

[It's so strange how James can feel so small in his arms, and he winds tighter around him, leaning down to press a kiss to the top of his head.]

Not goin' anywhere.

[It takes a couple of moments but he slowly curls himself to be pressed against him, tangling their legs together to wind himself further with the dullahan. Yet there's a small noise as he hides further into the shirt and behind his hand. The latter twitching as the charm finished up before going lax.]

Said it already.

Sayin' it again.

[There's another undertone of honesty in his words; as close as the reaper wants to be, he's not backing away. One leg moves to entangle further with James', and he leans down to press a soft kiss to his head once again.]

...ok.

[There's a sense of deja vu that settles deep in his bones that can't be shaken and it's not the first time that he's been feeling it either when it comes to the times with the dullahan. It's weird to say the least, merely shoving it to the back of his mind.

A soft pleased noise slipping out before he tilts his head up to steal an actual kiss.]

Told you you were good.

'm good just for you. Always gonna be.

[Is that too sentimental? He could really care less, exhaling slowly into the kiss. It's a gentle brush of lips, his fingers still winding into James' hair, and there's a grin too, fond and affectionate.]

Hrm must be rather lucky then. Getting to know such a well mannered man.

[It's not too sentimental in his opinion though he was currently taking advantage of the dullahan wanting to stick close. He ducks down and nuzzles, pressing soft kisses along his pulse.]

Nah, I'm the lucky one here.

[He inhales quietly at the first brush of feeling against his neck, but there's an implicit trust there that calms his nerves and has him relaxing almost immediately. His hand brushes gentle patterns down the back of James' neck in a small, silent show of utmost trust.]

[His breath catches in his throat at the short pause, wondering if so much attention to the dullahan's vulnerability was ok or not. Maybe he should back off and express attentions some other way. However the soft touches are enough to get him to continue the soft brush of his lips, arching up into Liam's fingers.]

Hrm I don't know about that.

Hey, I know luck. 's kinda a fae thing.

[Not that he's technically that kind of fae, but that was just a matter of simple, unnecessary details. Instead, he'd much rather focus on James, offering a quiet, pleased noise at his continued ministrations.]