Every Rose Has it's Thorns

Alan Breaks

A/N: tw for suicide mention

Alan was silent as he walked into the office, waving to and smiling at a few reapers in the hallway as he passed. He picked up the to die list on his desk and looked over it. He'd already missed a few collections, judging by the stamp of completion that had appeared on the first few pages. He glanced at the clock and grabbed his scythe, heading out to the next one on his list. The time alone wasn't going to be great, since that would allow him to be alone with his thoughts. Though he supposed if he worked quickly, he wouldn't have to be alone long.

Sighing as he looked out over London, Alan wondered what his family from his human life was up to now. He'd never seen anyone's name on his or Eric's to die list, but he knew they probably wouldn't end up on his list, especially since it would be too much of a personal issue and for all he knew they could have already been collected by the other reapers. He sighed and glanced at his watch, beginning to run across the rooftops when he saw he had just a few minutes before his next collection.

Jumping through an open window into the apartment, Alan made his way back to the child's bedroom and stood in wait. He gripped the handle of his scythe as he watched, finally the clock struck and Alan stepped forward. With one quick swing of his scythe, Alan began to review the record that began to swirl around him and replay the child's life. He couldn't help but feel for the child, only getting to live 5 years. With one last swing of his scythe, the child passed and the only sound that filled the room was his parents sobbing. Alan stood at the child's bedside for a long moment, remembering when it was him in the same position as this child. He'd been lucky though, able to live to the ripe old age of 24 before he caved and took his own life.

After what felt like an eternity, Alan finally turned and left the child's room. He checked his watch and took off for his next collection, as he walked his thoughts drifted to Eric briefly. He wondered if the other had followed suit and went to work despite their rough night. Coming upon the scene of where his next collection would be, Alan waited patiently. He was startled by the sound of the gunshot, but recomposed himself and completed his work quickly.

Returning to the office after completing all his collections, Alan sat down at his desk and began to work on paperwork. He knew there was some serious overtime coming, but he knew that it was unavoidable, especially since he'd ended up coming in late. He picked up the pen off his desk and began to work, allowing himself to zone out as he worked. He blinked a bit when he realized a tear had fallen onto the paperwork on his desk.

"Damn." He said, sitting up and wiping his eyes.

Standing up, he opened the door to his office and stumbled back some when he ran into Eric. He was thankful for Eric catching him, especially since he was sure that he was going to end up on the floor of his office. Once he was steady on his feet, Alan looked up at the other reaper and was silent for a few moments. He frowned when he saw how exhausted Eric looked, wishing he could do something, anything to make sure the other got enough sleep.

"You alright, Al?" Eric asked.

He nodded, wiping his eyes again. "Just had to collect a child's soul today." He said. "I've never been the best about keeping my emotions in check when doing the paperwork following them." He added.

Eric frowned some and pressed a kiss to his forehead, wrapping his arms around the other. Alan wrapped his arms around Eric and placed his head on the others chest, silent for a long moment. He did his best to keep the tears back, only to lose miserably when they started to flow and he couldn't stop them. He let out an audible sob and clung to Eric tighter, desperately wishing that a simple action like hugging Eric tighter would vanquish the Thorns and make the other male healthy again.

"Why did it have to be you, Eric?" Alan sobbed. "Why couldn't it have been me instead?" He added.