Birthday Surprise

preparing

Alan looked around at the shelves around him, he chuckled softly as he picked up ingredients, remembering what Eric had said; “donnae stay aht tae lon’ Alan, darlin’ ets still win’er an et still ge’s dark early, I donnae want yae tae ge’ ‘urt or owt” Alan had reassured the taller that he would be alright, that nothing would happen, he had his scythe he could summon at any time, and he knew how to fight. Alan walked around picking out what he needed, and being very picky about it, only choosing the better quality items. He walked to the till and put his items on the till. He smiled kindly at the young woman behind the counter, she looked nervous, “probably because it’s her first day or something” he though to himself... ”don’t worry, the first days always the hardest” he murmured softly to her. She smiled grate fully at Alan. Then she saw the badge on Alan’s jacket that symbolized he was with the collections team at London Shinigami Dispatch, the most heard of and respected dispatch there was, she looked flustered. Alan chuckled softly “no need to be so flustered miss; I’m off duty and just running errands.”

“Oh, err, I’m ever so sorry” she said, while scanning the items “hmm, cake ingredients? Are you baking tonight sir?” she asked, still being young and inquisitive. Alan smiled at her and nodded “yes, seeing as it’s someone very special to me’s birthday, I decided to bake their cake instead of just buy one”. The cashier smiled as she put the last item through “aw, that’s sweet... And that would be £10.57 please”. Alan nodded and pulled out his wallet, taking out a £20 pound note “here”. The cashier took the money from Alan and smiled as a thanks, opening the till and getting the change out “here’s your change and receipt, have a nice night sir”. Alan smiled “you too, bye!” he took his change and receipt and  picked up his bags and began walking out of the shop, back towards his and Eric’s home, knowing Eric would be out on the overtime William had set. He pulled his...well...Eric’s light blue scarf over his mouth and shivered, he could see his own breath on the air as he breathed out. Alan continued the not-so-long walk home.

 

One he got home, Alan placed the bags down at the door and got his keys out of his pocket. He unlocked the door and pushed it open, picking the bags up again and walking in, shutting the door with his foot. He hummed softly as he walked into the kitchen, flicking the light on as he entered. He started to put the items away in the cupboards, planning to bake the cake tomorrow night as a surprise for Eric when the other got back from overtime. Alan yawned and walked upstairs to get changed. He grabbed a pair of pyjama trousers and a shirt from in the wardrobe and get changed... He looked at his left wrist and sighed, seeing the thorny black vine like lines running up his arm. He pulled a hoodie on over his top and walked back downstairs, back to the kitchen, he flicked the kettle on and grabbed the hot chocolate powder from the cup board, he rubbed one eye tiredly then carefully put the right amount into two cups, he took the milk out of the fridge and poured some into the cups, then put the milk back, he stirred the milk in. The kettle finished boiling. Alan picked the kettle up and poured the hot water into the cups, stirring them slowly to make sure all the powder had dissolved into the drink, he picked up one of the cups and walked into the living room, the front door opening as he walked past “hot chocolate’s on the side” he said tiredly, walking to the sofa and placing his drink down on the coffee table, before flopping down onto the sofa. He picked his drink back up held it between his legs and chest, as he was curled in a ball at the side of the sofa. A few moments later a tall man walked in, one side of his hair was wavy and blonde, the other black and tied in neat cornrows. He had a kind smile. This male walked in and placed his cup down on the coffee table and sat down beside Alan “tired Al’ darlin’? ge’ some sleep, yaeve been up since ‘half four this mornin’” his voice was thick with a Scottish accent but soft and kind. This was Eric Slingby. The one reaper that had stolen Alan’s heart. Alan nodded and smiled gratefully, putting his hot chocolate down on the table and taking his glasses off, placing them on the table and cuddling into Eric’s side happily, already almost asleep. Eric smiled and held Alan close, stroking the smaller males hair gently, Eric hummed softly and closed his own eyes, he always enjoyed spending time with the smaller male... once he was sure Alan was asleep, Eric stood and picked him up, then carried the brown haired reaper to their room, and laid him down on the bed, Eric pulled the covers over Alan and kissed Alan’s forehead, before going to the wardrobe and pulling out some comfortable clothing, he smiled as he looked back at Alan, then he took a small black box out of his breast pocket, he flipped the lid up and looked at the gold ring inside... the tall male smiled and closed it again, closing his fist around the box and putting his fist to his lips, he then slipped it back into his breast pocket of his jacket and hung it up in the wardrobe, he then pulled his shirt off and grabbed a top from the wardrobe and pulled it on, then changed his trousers, Eric then shut the wardrobe and walked downstairs, he picked up Alan’s glasses carefully and walked back to the room, he placed Alan’s glasses on the bedside table, he then removed his own glasses and put them with Alan's. Eric climbed into the bed and laid beside Alan, he smiled, rolling onto his side, Alan had half curled up on the bed. Eric put his arms around Alan and held the smaller male close to his chest. Alan moved in his sleep and curled
into Eric’s chest, smiling peacefully as he did so.