Another Chance [Slow Updates ಥ_ಥ]

Chapter 05: Awaited

Chapter 05: Awaited

won·der
/ˈwəndər/

verb
desire or be curious to know something.
feel doubt.

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The soul let out a warm glow that contrasted the cool colors of their surroundings, illuminating two awe-struck faces. The black cloak Death wore had almost covered the room in his panic, engulfing it in its shadow.

At the same time, nearly protecting the soul — cracked and damaged — from whatever eyes that might have pried. Specifically, Fate's, in case she ever decides to force Reaper to reap it. It was impossible but it was worth the try.

In his concerns about otherworldly people watching about, he forgets and misses a small thing.

He's holding Dream's wrists.

Dream holds his breath, shutting his 'eyes' tightly. None of this was real.

But images don't have ... well, they don't do anything but show. They don't act like this – this firm clasp on his wrists, concern radiating off them, as if they think that he deserves it after what he's done. Yet he feels the benign embrace all over the place, similar to the way his brother would do to protect him from a stormy night.

"Shit, are you dying?!" Reaper cursed frantically across from him, "Is this a guardian thing? Closing your eyes and then never waking up again?"

Dream winces a bit as he felt panic spike from the other.

He opens his eyes after contemplating that maybe, maybe, if this were real, he'd tell Death to just get on with it and reap him.

"Isn't that why you're here?" Dream asks tiredly. He almost blurts out that it was his job so why — he could laugh at how hypocritical it sounds.

Reaper seems startled as if he'd just known it is his job to do that but he firmly holds onto his wrists that restricts Dream from further movement. "Erm .. yeah," he says, awkwardly. "But since today's a holiday, no ...?"

Dream could barely keep the look of confusion from his face. "I don't get holidays."

Death winces, nodding it off. "Yeah, definitely ... definitely a holiday today. It's .. terrible to hear that you still work on those days."

It's bullshit, both of them thought simultaneously.

Dream watches as Reaper continues to dig a hole for himself in this conversation of theirs. "You should .. really bring that up to the big boss Fate," the other said slowly.

"..Right."

"We should also start a petition, to at least, get Christmas parties."

"..."

"Christmas is this—"

"..I know what Christmas is."

"Of course."

They stare at each other, not knowing what to say. Reaper then clears his throat, "We should really get that soul checked out if we want that petition." He lets go. Dream concludes that rumors of Death's touch sending you straight in the afterlife was not true.

(It was, in fact, very true.)

Speaking of the devil, Dream doubles down in pain. The fussy soul decides to act up once it was reminded that there is a very large crack that had nearly destroyed its very being.

"Serves you right," Shattered hissed. Welcome back, Shattered. Glad you're still up and going.

Dream falls on his back, against the carpet. Shattered cackles at this, as if he doesn't have anything else to do. It was very much right but neither of them talk about that. In fact, they don't talk with each other other than bitter, sarcastic remarks.