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

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.

[A smirk is offered over at the squeeze and he tugs him in close. Short pause to make sure that he still had his wallet on him before leading the both of them off to the elevators and down to the lobby.]

And I told you not to worry about it. If there's something that catches your eye, let me know and we'll see about getting it. Sounds good?

I mean, you catch my eye. I think I already got you though, so seems like this system works pretty well.

[Is it terrible and cliche and cheesy all rolled into one? Of course it is, and he doesn't care in the slightest.]

Well I ugh yea but I was referring to clothes actually. I suppose that it works like that sort of.

[Congrats on earning yourself a flustered reaper, dullahan. He rubs the back of his neck with a small smile before guiding him out onto the street and off towards the stores.]

I'm glad that I do though.

It totally works, because it's totally true.

[He laughs, quiet and good-natured, to see James smile and leans in to steal another small kiss before they head out the door.]

Did since the day I first met you.

Maybe it works because of how ridiculous you are. However I appreciate that you are for sure.

[He gives his hand a light squeeze before moving in closer, keeping his eye peeled for anything that might be considered interesting. So far there wasn't anything just yet.]

Hey, I'm all of this for you okay?

[And he dares to steal a small kiss as they peruse.]

Shirts, right?

I wouldn't have it any other way. Ridiculous and sweet dork.

[He squeezes his hand with a smirk, guiding him along.]

Shirts and anything else that catches your attention.

You catch my attention.

[Forgive him, the concept of shopping is still fairly new and he's not entirely sure what he should be looking for. It's much easier to focus his attentions on the reaper beside him.]

And so do you, mister sap.

[The small jab is good natured as he decides that it always should be. The dullahan went through enough crap with the other reapers and more so he's not going to make it any more difficult.

In the end the reaper guides him for a good twenty minutes before finding a suitable store and pulling him inside.]

[Admittedly, the store is a bit overwhelming and he sticks close to the reaper as they enter. He's not a creature that's used to being inside, let alone inside with this many people and it subdues his normally vibrant personality. So much so, in fact, that he feels almost shy as he seeks out James' hand for reassurance.]

[Sure there's quite a few people in here but they're relatively minding their own business asides from stepping out of the way of the duo. The reaper leads him along to the men's section of the store which seems rather suitable of a starting point. Plenty of options here. He plops them both in front of some nice comfy looking shirts to start.]

The shirts aren't going to bite. I swear.