Fandom One-shots

The Life of Death

So this isn't really a fandom, I was just fond of the idea.

"Since before time Death has roamed the Cosmos. His job was taxing; he had never, ever, had a day off. He never slept. His job was to touch people, but not like Life could. Her touch gave babies, flowers, trees, all things entity. She breathed on them and they took root. They breathed their first breath. They budded into lovely blossoms. She was there for every birth, similar to Death, who was there for every demise.

"Occasionally Death made a mistake, he nudged someone he was not supposed to. Life would then come and wake them up. Death's job was hard, but not as hard as Life's. Their paths often crossed, and, after time, they became unlikely acquaintances. Death knew he was to never love. Never grow attached to anything that could be destroyed by his touch. He knew if he broke this rule, he would no longer be able to follow through with his task.

"Though Death and Life knew each other, they had never shaken hands. Neither knew what would happen if they touched. Life was the demise of Death, and Death the end of Life. Neither wanted to take the chance, because without one, there could not be the other. So, alas, they simply talked, but always kept their distance.

"As time passed, though, Death began to feel something . . . different every time Life and he crossed paths. Every time they spoke he would deftly drift closer to her . . . until one day, he seemed to forget himself and reached out, touching her hand lightly. As if she had been burned, she jerked her hand away. 'I am sorry. I should not have done that.' Was all Death could say. He attempted a solemn look on the outside, but truly, his heart was radiating with pure joy. Touch was no longer a barrier between them!

"'No you should not have.' Was all Life said, her voice like honey.

Embarrassed, Death asked, 'Will you forgive my misguided hand?' Though Life was fond of Death, she did not love him as he loved her.

'Only time will bare forgiveness.' Death knew what she meant, but joked anyways in his attempt to lighten the tense mood.

'What say you to me asking him?'  Life could not hide her smile.

"They stopped that day, and set aside their work, simply to talk. They talked of simple things, straying far from the subject of work. Only once the sun was a hands breadth from the horizon did they say goodbye. 'Farewell. You must be diligent in your work tomorrow to make up for our lost time today.' Was Life's farewell.

'Of course.' Was his.

"Months mulled by without either seeing the other. All Death could think about was — ironically — Life. After a while, Death began to fret that maybe Life was avoiding him on purpose. His worries and doubts were soon washed away though, for soon after — once again — their paths crossed.

"'Death, how lovely to see you again. I suppose you have kept up with your work?' He smiled. Her sweet voice was calming.

'Yes. It would not do to let you overpopulate the earth.'

"'Ah. What can I say. I love the joy of seeing life in every moment of my time.' She chuckled a bit, running her fingers through her hair. Death decided to take his chance. To throw all his cards on the table.

"'As do I.'

"Life's head shot up, her eyes sparkled with some unknown emotion. 'Pardon?' Her voice shook a bit, but Death repeated himself like asked.

'I also love the joy of seeing Life in every moment of my time.' Life sucked in a lung full of air and held it.

"When she finally did exhale, she said, 'Death...you and I both know this wouldn't work out.'

"'Why not?' He grabbed her hand. 'My touch doesn't kill you as it does most.' She looked at her hand in his.

'Death . . . we both have obligations to the worlds. We can not shirk our responsibilities. This would never work.' She hung her head in almost a guilty way.

"'Our duties call for each other. Without one . . . the other cannot exist.' Life looked up, relief seeming to spread through her body. A tear rolled down her cheek.

'You are lucky you are such a smooth talker.' She whispered, pulling him close. Life rested her head on his chest, breathing in his scent (which was surprisingly warm).

"'I know . . . that this might be rushing it . . .' He took a deep breath. 'But will you take my hand in marriage?'

"'Nothing would make me happier.' She whispered. He pulled her closer. He had never been in contact with anything living . . . unless he was destroying it.

"And so, they had a child. They named their child Immortality, because — similar to a god — the child could never die. And here I am, telling you their story. For without you, the belief of Life and Death will surely, forever . . . die.