June 10, 1887
Humphries was promoted to Senior a year early. Slingby immediately suggested that Humphries, now his equal in rank, move in with him. The two were good friends, they supported each other through the deep depressions that plagued all Reapers, and at his pay grade Humphries could barely afford a room in the senior dorms. His standard-issue uniform was threadbare and much mended. He needed a reliable wristwatch and a decent respectable suit. Much better for him to pay half of the rent on a senior apartment. Obviously. That spare room was just sitting there.
"Are you sure you don't mind, Eric? It would be a big change for you, having me underfoot all the time."
"Nah, I'll like the company. Besides, you need to save your money. Your suit is a disgrace. The office is taking up a collection just so we won't have to look at it. Grell said we should burn it and toast marshmallows over the flames. Fairbairn said he'd bring beer. Vanderveldt promised sausages and lemonade and volunteered Gupta to provide crudités. D'Acres commented that one couldn't build a really proper fire inside the office, so Fitzwilliam suggested a picnic in the country. It's scheduled for midsummer. Spears is arranging coverage. You'd better have something else to wear by then, unless you want to come home in your unmentionables. I'm going to get you a good-quality timepiece, too. Don't huff at me, shorty! You'll pay me back next year when you get your raise."
"And what other favors will be included in the rent, big man? I have standards, you know. Even though I am considering rooming with someone I once found sitting drunk on the ledge above Big Ben singing 'Bang Bang Lulu'. At least I hope you were drunk."
"Drunk or not, that proves I am too crazy to live alone. "Bang Bang Lulu' is reserved for Westminster Palace when Parliament is sitting. Somebody like me should be rooming with a sober, responsible companion who will scold him mightily when he misbehaves. Favors? I will never demand anything you don't want to give. In return, as long as we are friends only, you won't object to my hooking up in the afterparties. I need that close physical contact. So will you, in time, and you may seek it where you wish among the other Seniors."
"If you are my roommate and my partner, you will not be banging casual hookups. You will be banging me and me alone. I'll need some instruction, though." That blush. "I reserve the right to refuse anything I find distasteful. Agreement to be renegotiated in one year to the satisfaction of both parties. Oh, and the one who cooks does not wash the dishes. Is that acceptable?"
"Perfectly fair. I love you, Lulu. I have loved you for four years."
"I love you, Eric, but if you call me Lulu you get no banging. None."
June 21, 1887
In midsummer, the office picnic was a great success. The story of the Horrible Suit had spread. Everybody got to attend for at least half a day, popping in and out as Reaping schedules permitted. Even Spears had visited, if only to make sure that nobody was having too much fun. The diversity of the British Empire was reflected in its Reapers. Moreover, those Reapers knew every coffeehouse, restaurant, pub, inn, and eatery. Reapers from all Branches arrived bearing wondrous delicacies and good wishes for the newly Partnered. The food was amazing. The fire was beautiful. The suit was history, and also a bit of geography as Grell had gotten it caught in the chainsaw; but into the fire it had gone, with something like military honors. At dusk, Alan had placed bundles of rosemary around the edges of the fire to perfume the night. Dressed respectably at last in a tailored suit and a watch that was accurate more than twice a day, he was ready to take an enormous step forward.
Before witnesses, Alan and Eric exchanged their vows. "Where you are, there shall I be. While I live, your happiness and safety shall be my goal. Throughout time I will scout before you, fight beside you, watch behind you. I will give you comfort and peace. I will always give you the truth as I know it, even if unwelcome. All you freely offer, I accept; all I can offer, I give. Let us light each other's way through the dark as we atone for our mistakes and hope for Forgiveness."
The witnesses cheered and offered congratulations.
In the darkness, Grell wept.