ghosts (reaper x reader)

i.

He was dead, technically. Has been for the past decade, hell, you were the first to know about the tragic passing of Gabriel Reyes. And in a way he is still dead; Not quite a breathing, living human being anymore and not quite Gabriel either. But some part of him—reaper, as you've come to know—had Gabe in him. That's why he showed up to your side yet again, under the cover of a sudden heavy storm and the deepened darkness outside.

As usual, you left your window open a crack, despite the loudness of the rain coming down and the thunder that twisted your stomach into a knot. He would slip through the crack easily and take his place either in the corner of your room or on the foot of your bed.

(You've been laying in bed for a little while, waiting to see if he'll appear when you're awake. At first he only visited when you slept, like a strange guardian angel over you. One night you awoke from a nightmare and he stayed, comforting you by brushing through your hair with his fingers, like he used to do. Like Gabe used to do.)

More minutes of waiting, and you're about to drift off when you feel a familiar weight at the foot of your bed. You sighed softly in acknowledgment, before flinching at the sudden clap of thunder.

(“I'm sorry, I'm-” you stuttered over yourself, mainly because the sudden downpour forced you and Gabriel to take shelter in a doorway, you underneath his coat and right next to his chest. “I'm actually afraid of thunder.”

He chuckled, worsening your blush. “Oh eso es lindo. Don't worry, it's just noise. If it freaks you out too much though, I'll comfort you.”)

Gabe kept popping up in your mind, and you couldn't help it; you missed him even though technically he was currently sitting next to you on your bed—

You paused, involuntarily shaking a bit due to the quick sessions of rumbling thunder. He was sitting right next to you, the closest he's been since….since he became Reaper, basically. A soft, mangled sigh came from beside you, and very slowly and gently, you felt cold metal claws start to comb through your hair, as short as it may be. Despite the knowledge he could hurt you at any second, you relaxed deeper into a nearly asleep state.

(You both were soaked by the time you got to your home, but still laughing as you walked in. He could be so serious and intimidating, but oddly enough he relaxed around you. It was strange but you were in love, it's not like you gave a damn.

Not wanting to get the bed sheets all wet, you two sat on the couch in the soft dark, one arm draped protectively around your shoulders. A loud crack from the heavens made you jump, and Gabe tightened the grip, gently pushing you towards himself. And then, just like the ghost was doing now, he began to comb through your damp hair, going gentle to avoid snags.)

Three words were trapped in your mouth in the past just like they were right now. Only this time you couldn't kiss him to confess, for fear that one bold move and he'll disappear from you again, truly becoming a ghost.