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

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.]

I didn't know that it was an unseelie sort of thing though. Thought that you all were the causers of the opposite. You must be quite the rarity.

[A low pleased hum to accompany Liam's noises.]

Hey, I didn't say I caused luck. Just that I knew about it. I'm thinkin' that this here? This is pretty lucky.

Hm whatever you say then. Apparently you're the expert and all.

[He buries his face back into his shoulder with a soft sigh. What a hectic day off. Not even on duty has shown to have such a rollercoaster effect such as this but things have settled out.

He kicks off his shoes with a soft grunt.]

I mean, I'm not gonna go that far.

[But the jab is good-natured and lacks any real bite to it at all. Besides, there's a reaper in his arms and his time is far better spent shifting so that he can make the man more comfortable as he takes him into his arms.]

[And once more he's comfortably situated in the dullahan's arms. He stares off into space while listening to the beat of his heart, humming low and soft with steady rhythm.]

Well you apparently know more than I do so there you go. Expert out of the two of us.

Eeeh, I still think that might be a little generous.

[A gentle kiss is pressed to the crown of the reaper's head as they sit in silence for just a little while.]

You doing okay?

Hm...? Oh yea. Yea, definitely doing better now. Promise.

[Still weird that someone is so intent on checking if he is. At least for recent times.]

Alright. You let me know though, you let me know if you need anything or if something's gone weird or just-

[He trails off, furrowing his brows.]

Wanna make sure you're okay.

Liam, hey. I know and I appreciate it. Right now though, things are ok. You don't have to worry so much right now.

I-yeah, okay. I just. Don't wanna screw this up. 'cause...

[He exhales slowly, pressing another kiss to the top of the reaper's head.]

'cause you're important.

[There's a brief soft laugh before he contently hums at the kiss.]

Barely been dating a month and you already think so? Quite the fast attachment you dullahans have. Never expected that.

Hey, when you've been around as long as I have, you learn to appreciate the good things in life. And you? You're a really good thing. A really, really good thing.

So what you're getting at...is that because you're apparently incredibly old that you're rather willing to be so fond of someone already? Wow. Didn't know that sentiment grew when one becomes old.

But I don't know about being good.

I mean, kinda old. Not like old old.

[But he's laughing through the words, leaning in to kiss the reaper's temple.]

And definitely good.

Oh? Exactly how old are you? And what qualifies as old old apparently?

[He hums contently with the kiss, closing his eyes once more.]

Maybe for you.