A Date With Death

One Ring Can Change It All

Standing in the shadow of the poor lit alleyway, he waited for his next appointment to happen. A shoot and run. The stale odour of old beer and urine filled his nostrils, the overfull bins adding their horrendous smell to add to the alleys toxicity. But Nate barely noticed. It had been this way for just under a week now. He had taken the dirtier jobs, the darker deaths, and filled his rota to the brim with work. He wasn't having time off. He didn’t need it. He would rather work then have to think about that embarrassing meeting. Work meant he couldn’t replay the sudden change in the woman’s face when she sensed something off with him.

Something.... dead. Dark. Final.

Stepping into the flickering pale yellow of the old bulbs light as the gun went off, he waited as the unlucky young man bled out from the profusely bleeding wound to his abdomen, not that the killer cared as he rifled through the dying man’s pockets. Taking his wallet and sliding his watch and wedding band off, both made of gold, both had only been on him for five weeks. As the killer ran off, Nate touched the young man’s shoulder and the spirit popped out after his final, blood filled breath.

The ghost choked, his last fear filled action momentarily causing him to do so. Suddenly realising he could breathe he stared at Nate, standing straighter and reaching for his side, stilling as the realisation began to hit him.

“I’m... I’m... fuck, and your... uh... your...”

“Death, yes. I am Thanatos. And I am here to take you to the afterlife. Please step this way, I would prefer to not stand in the pool of blood around you if I can help it.” Nate tone was clipped, and held an edge of annoyance. But the short tone caused the man to quickly follow his orders, even if he was terrified as he tried to take in what was happening here.

As soon as they touched Nate flashed out, barely stopping in heaven long enough to direct him to the front desk before disappearing again. But, just as he did disappear he whispered “I’m sorry”, the regret at being so short with him clear in his pained voice.

Flashing straight to his tree in the park he disappeared into full Death mode, and slumped against the tree. Fuck. He can't let that one tiny thing keep affecting him so much. That was the third time this week he had been almost rude to a spirit, and that wasn’t him. He wasn’t like that. Why had she got to him so much? He had been in this dark place now for.. hell, five days. Hiding in the shadows, creeping in the dark. Letting his dead soul be tainted by the depressing feelings of being rejected, and no confidence. From one random woman? It just didn’t make sense. It had happened before. Some people are more open, and can just tell he’s more than human, he's more... terminal.

Sighing, he pulled his phone out, and dialled. Listening to the tone for a few seconds he listened for the click, before speaking quickly.

“Hey Trixie, yes its me... I know... yes that's why I am calling... yeah, can you wipe the rest of the day for me please? Hand most of them to Skou... yeah he will be pleased to have them back. Thank you... how did you know?... Ah I see, the nosey... ok ok. Thank you Trixie. Yes, goodbye.”

Sliding his phone into his pocket he smiled, the first smile in days. Taking in a deep, cleansing breath of fresh air he flashed out, straight to his sisters place. Walking up the small lane that lead to her road he looked around, the bright sunshine warming him as he strolled up to her house, not bothering to knock as he opened the door. Closing it behind him he turned, frowning. Where was she? He was usually covered in excited sister by now. Gods, had he upset her?

Quickly checking the rooms downstairs he walked out into the back garden, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly as he spotted Aenwyn and Ryze in the next field. They were sitting together, discussing something quietly between themselves, only stopping as they heard his rustled footsteps through the tall grass. The fact that she hadn’t jumped up had him tensing again. She was mad at him. But the gods only knew why, though he was sure he would be finding out soon enough. She wasn’t one to hold back with him.