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

Wh?

[It seems as though the reaper is filled with strange questions today, and it's enough that he moves to switch off the television and make his way out into the hall, trailing behind.]

Everything okay?

[He glances down at the jacket in his hands, avoiding any possible confrontation out of habit.]

I just... You don't have anything to really wear here. So I was going to go pick up some things for you. So it would be better for me to know your size than to have to guess.

Wh-

[Oh. Oh that's certainly not something he would have expected, and it gives him a moment's pause as he tries to come up with a proper response. One doesn't come, but that becomes less and less important as he notes how the reaper seems to shrink in a bit when questioned. That's not something he ever wants to see, and he relaxes his line of questioning.]

That's.....that's really....like, you don't have to do that, that's- you're-

[He backtracks a moment to try to compose a proper sentence.]

That's really really nice of you. Like...really nice. Um. I mean, you don't have to. Only if you want to.

If you don't want me to and think it's a waste of my time then fine I won't go out. I read you loud and clear.

[Which means that the reaper turns away to put his jacket back onto its hook before skirting around the dullahan. It was painfully obvious to him that his effort wasn't a desired one and he should brush off the observation he made. He knows best to back off and make himself scarce.

So that's what he's going to try and do. Only bad thing is that his office is upstairs.]

[Wait, wait what's going on now? That's a definite turn, and it doesn't seem to be heading in a way that sounds at all alright. It has him starting from the couch, brows furrowed, and following along behind the reaper.]

Wait, what no!

[There's a frantic lilt to his voice."

No, I mean just-like-no one's ever been that nice! No, I don't think- I'm just-

[He pauses beside the stairs at the sudden shout, glancing back at the dullahan. The franticness causes him to reconsider things as he listens carefully. He looks down in shame from overreacting.]

It's ok. I'm sorry. I really am.

No, I uh. No I'm really sorry, I just haven't had anyone ever like...

[He chances a brush of his hand against the reaper's.]

Like no one's ever asked that.

Trust me when I saw that I know that feeling rather well. It's ok.

[His fingers seek out Liam's after the touch, lacing between them before giving a gentle squeeze.]

[He entwines his fingers with James', looking down at their hands for a moment while he tries to gather his thoughts.]

So uh. If you want, we can. Go do that, I mean.

I want you to be comfortable. That doesn't mean we have to do this even if I want to. You're the one that decides it.

[A soft kiss pressed to his kiss while offering a reassuring hand squeeze.]

It's getting to do stuff with you. Why would I ever not want that?

[And he genuinely means that, the idea is just so unthinkable.]

Just like...that costs money, yeah?

Because you could want to do something else. At least something that isn't clothes shopping. It can still be done.

I've saved for decades. I think I can spoil my boyfriend with clothes without worry.

Wait, wait. What'd you say?

[For a moment he's sure he's misheard, but there's a shy, hopeful grin that turns the corner of his mouth ever so slightly.]

The thing. The boyfriend thing.

Boyfriend, yea. That's what you are.

[To be honest, he was a tad caught off guard at the question because he wasn't sure if he had said something wrong or not. He immediately relaxes though.]

Not going to change anytime soon I hope.

No. No! Definitely not!

[He can't hide how touched he is though, and for a moment he just savors the word like he's never heard it before.]

Boyfriend. I think I really like that.

Hey relax. I get it.

[His words are light and reassuring, accompanied with a small smile. There wasn't any sort of worry that things were going to fall apart so quickly.]

I can tell.

Yeah. Really yeah.

[He's more than enamored with the word, and he leans in to kiss the reaper softly.]

[There's a pleased noise at the kiss, barely above a soft rumble before he pulls away to briefly press his forehead against Liam's.]

So do you want to go out? Or stay here?

[It's a good question, but one he's already sure he knows the answer to.]

Out, if that's okay with you. I uh...don't really get to places much, you're probably gonna have to help with a lot.

Well I don't see any problems with it since I'll be with you. I'd be fine with helping too. Don't want you floundering about.

Teach me then.

[That feel so strange to say.]

Like uh, what's in style what's good, all that.

I'm not the best at it but I'll try for sure. The important thing is that you find things that you like. Sound good?

Yeah, yeah that sounds real good. And I promise it uh, like I don't really care too much about what we get. I promise I'll get another shirt though, totally.

[He tugs him back over towards the door and slips on his jacket before taking hold of his hand once more. A relaxing day out. They've got this...hopefully.]

We'll figure it out as we go, ok? It's also probably going to be more than a shirt too.

[He gives a slight squeeze to James' hand, trying to reassure the both of them that things would go well. It was best to stay positive, after all.]

Okay, but shirts are expensive though.