Alan Humphries was silent as he entered the Shinigami Dispatch Society that afternoon with his partner and lover Eric Slingby after reaping another soul. Everyone smiled and waved at them, and they would respond in the same action.
Most of the Shinigamis thought that Eric and Alan had one of the best relationships in the entire Dispatch. Even Grell complimented on how amazing she thought it was, since she always saw Eric and Alan hugging and kissing.
But once they got into their office and closed the door, it was a whole new story. Alan swallowed sharply as Eric closed the door to their office. He was expecting Eric to yell at him for making them have to work late again, but he halfway didn't expect Eric to slap his palm against his cheek.
Alan fell on the ground, just barely missing the desk. "What was that for?" Alan asked fearfully as tears developed in the brunette Shinigami's eyes.
"Why the hell were you talking to Ronald about how you got your bruises?!" Eric demanded as he moved closer to Alan. He turned his face so that he hopefully wouldn't receive another slap from Eric. When Alan didn't answer, Eric kicked him in the stomach and stated "Tell me why, now Alan Humphries!"
The brunette Shinigami looked up at Eric slowly and replied with tears rolling down his face "I just was letting him know that I got them from when we collected a soul a few days ago. I promise Eric I didn't tell him anything."
Eric seemed to believe him because he took a few steps back. "Were you flirting with Ronald perhaps?" Eric questioned.
"No, Eric I wasn't, you know he's in a relationship with Fangurl," Alan reminded.
The blonde Shinigami slapped Alan's face again. "Don't you dare raise your voice to me you little bitch," Eric warned in a low voice as Alan's tears kept flowing. "Speaking of Fangurl, I heard you went over to see her the other day." Alan's eyes widened. Yes he had gone to see Fangurl, but it was only to let her borrow some movies for her and Ronald's date night. Eric picked up his death scythe and asked as he pointed the tool at Alan "How many times have I told you to stay away from the Phantomhive's Manor?"
Alan kept silent, but turned his face away from his abusive lover. "How many times Alan?! It's too damn many times, that's what it is; I don't know why you always insist on going over there, but let me tell you this, I will make sure to put a stop to the visits forcefully, if you don't willingly," Eric promised.
"I don't always go over there," Alan whispered as he tried to stop crying. He didn't know why he continued to respond to Eric's statements, because in the end, Eric would win the arguments.
"Really, is that so?" Eric said. "So I guess that instead of going to see Fangurl, you go out on the corners of streets and whore yourself out to anyone who needs it."
Alan looked up at Eric with a shocked look. "Eric . . ." he started.
"Maybe I should just lock you up inside the apartment, that way you would be all mine and I wouldn't have to worry about you so much," Eric suggested.
The brunette Shinigami hung his head and nodded. He knew that it was a lot better to just agree with whatever Eric had to say. "I've got a reaping to go do, so why don't you finish up your paperwork from yesterday."
"Okay," Alan agreed as he slowly stood up and dusted off his suit. He turned to sit down at his desk before he flinched and yelped because there was a violent hand in his brunette hair.
Eric pulled Alan back to where his back rested against the front of Eric, while one of his arms was around Alan's throat and his hand was gripping his hair roughly. In a whispering, yet threatening tone, the blonde Shinigami stated "If I ever have to get onto you about your behavior at work, you will not like the consequences. Have I made myself clear?"
Alan nodded as best he could before Eric released him and pushed him onto the floor. Eric grabbed his death scythe and shoved Alan with his foot before leaving their office.
As soon as Eric left, Alan quickly locked the door and curled up underneath his desk. The brunette Shinigami cried out softly as he wondered what had happened to the Eric Slingby he once knew.