Love Story Undertaker x Y/N

Chapter 26: Empathy (Adrian's P.O.V.)

She looked so eager as we stepped onto the dock in France. The one issue. I had barely managed to learn any French. Why the hell are there six different verb forms that I've identified so far. Much as I hate to do so, I'll have to ask (Y/N) to help me around.

"Where will we be staying?" she asked eagerly.

"I found a place nearby that is hardly ever used," I said "It is still in good condition, though." She nodded and grabbed my hand, tugging me into the crowd of people at the dock. We wandered around the streets for a time and she smiled and seemed so excited to look at the buildings. I had trouble seeing what was so special about buildings not unlike what we had in England, but then I remembered; she's going to be grateful for every experience and every second of life she has. Every experience is a new adventure she will treasure. 

"Would you like to see where we'll be staying?" I asked.

"First let's get lunch. We hardly had tea," she said. I sighed, not looking forward to things getting lost in translation, but nodded.

She pulled me over to a small outdoor coffee house and as we were taken to a table, she was having a lively conversation with the waiter. I wasn't jealous, but rather irritated that I couldn't understand what was being said.

"Adrian, what would you like?" she asked, pulling me from my thoughts once more.

"You decide for me," I said, knowing that I likely hadn't heard the waiter list what was available.

She recited something I couldn't understand to the waiter and then he left.

"Are you alright?" she asked.

"Of course. Why do you ask?" I said, confused.

"You're face is a little red."

I was blushing from embarrassment? I didn't even know it was possible for me to feel humiliated to tat extent. I crossed my arms on the table and hid my face in them.

"I'm fine, Darling."

"Adrian, are you embarrassed that you can't speak French?" she asked softly. I looked up and saw a small sympathetic smile. It is absolutely pitiful that I am letting this affect me so.

"Does it really bother you so much?" she asked.

No. It doesn't. What bothers me is knowing I'll lose her in three weeks. But what could I say. I can't tell her she's going to die. I've broken so many rules, but this rule, not to share with a human when they will die, is a good one. It could cause them chaos to know they will die. What can I do?

"Adrian, I'm not a fool," she said softly, "I'm dying in three weeks."

I froze. I underestimated her. But I didn't see tears.

"Aren't you afraid? Sad? Anything?" I asked.

"No," she said, but I could hear her voice trembling.

"Don't lie."

"If I cry, you'll cry too."

I pushed my chair back sharply and went over to her and hugged her.

"Cry if you need to cry," I said, "I've been doing my job for over two hundred years. For me to cry now would be foolish."

I felt warm tears on my neck.

"It's okay to be afraid or sad," I said, trying to reassure her, even though I knew there's no stopping the fear of the painful reality of death being at her door. It's easy to ignore when it's far away, but when you know it's following you, you can't help being afraid.

"What is it like to die?" she asked softly.

"I couldn't answer that," I said.

"Adrian, if it hurts."