I decided to update this story today because I'm using such historical facts, it only seems fitting to update on another day that will forever live in history. Even so many years later, watching documentaries on September 11th, 2001 still shows how things changed after the attacks on the WTC. So we Americans should never forget that day as long as we live, and I decided to show my remembrance in this A/N! Now, with that said, let's move on, shall we? Holy frick! I know I asked for more reviews, but I never expected to more than double the amount I'm used to in this fandom! THANK YOU! It either means you liked last chapter, or you just wanted to see the aftermath of the kissing scene… Either way, I'll take it! So now for my love to you all! darkingflame, ah, I'm kinda big on cliffhangers. It keeps you coming back! Arthur did finally make a move! Kit-Usa, I'm glad you appreciate Arthur finally growing some balls! AllTheLovelyBrains, ahhh, you like how I'm writing America? I tried really hard on him, so it means the world to me! Thank you! Fynniona, thank you again for your wonderful fanart! I love it! I'm glad you can see the human side of Arthur still. tetris, but they make you come back! Don't grumble at me! Kats With Shamrocks, ohhh, you're going a lot further than kissing! Aerowave, you think it's awesome? THANK YOU! You squealed when they kissed? Awww! ZillaMeister, my A/N guilt tripped you? THEN IT WORKED! Muahahahaha! You're the second one to tell me that particular book is good… I'll really have to look it up! I never discontinue stories! I hate that! Izaya-neko, so I AM being kidnapped? Oh, the fun we'll have! You know who, …I know who? Are you Voldemort…? You threatened me?! Well, fine! I want you to know that I'm updating because I WANT to, and not because you threatened me! So there! (Thanks for reviewing!) ninjaco0kieXD, I acted that way when I first heard that joke too! Sometimes cliffhangers are necessary! Now, enough of my babbling! On with the story~!


Parabola

(Tool)

[We barely remember who or what came before this precious moment. We are choosing to be here right now. Hold on, stay inside. This holy reality, this holy experience, choosing to be here in. This body, this body holding me. It's my reminder here that I am not alone in. This body, this body holding me, we are eternal. This pain is an illusion.]

Warm…

Soft…

Alive.

Arthur revels in his lips against Alfred's. It's an entirely innocent kiss, one that was meant to comfort. One that was meant to help…

It would've been impossible to resist the urge this time. Death couldn't help it. He only needed something solid, something real.

Alfred makes a small squeaking sound and places his hands on the Reaper's shoulders, weakly pushing away. The lack of force is enough to convince Arthur the American doesn't really want him to stop. He's seen how strong the man is, and knows if the contact truly wasn't wanted, it wouldn't be allowed.

"Alfred..." Arthur mutters, wrapping his arms around the younger man's waist. His lips pressed against Alfred's is the only thing he's truly felt since his demise so long ago.

Soon, Alfred stops trying to pull away and simply holds onto Death's shoulders. His own lips weakly press against Arthur's, and Arthur feels alive again. Neither of them know how long they stay this way, or who pulls away first.

Warm sapphire meets mint green as they stare at each other when they part. Both of them are silent, flushed from contact.

"Jones! What are you doing over there?" A man's voice calls. Alfred jolts and removes himself from Death's hold as he struggles to respond.

"I, uh… I thought I saw something shiny over here, but it wasn't anything special!" he lies poorly.

"You Americans and your need to find something valuable everywhere you go," A British voice sighs. "It's truly something else."

"We don't need to find treasure! We just want to!" an American responds.

Alfred casts another wary glance at Arthur, and then walks toward the other men. Death longingly watches him go, then pulls out his list to get back to work.


Sadly, the two don't see each other for some time after their encounter. Arthur is busy taking souls again, feeling entirely frustrated with himself for letting his desires get the best of him.

He knew better. He truly did. He knew Alfred didn't feel the same. How could he? Someone like Alfred Jones would have so much to live for…so much to see, to experience, to enjoy… How could he want to be with someone who hasn't had a joyous day in centuries?

It's true that Arthur Kirkland wasn't always an immortal. Truly, he still isn't. He's simply filling in for someone else.

Ah, but that's a story best saved for another time.

It's been about two weeks since he last saw Alfred, and that defenseless stare is all he's seen ever since. Those trusting blue eyes that seemed to be completely in shock… All because of one moment of stupidity…

He sighs to himself as he returns to London. He's been here a certain number of times since he last saw the American, but none of them were to see said man.

No, they were all for work, same as this time. A woman is on his list, but it's a simple death. She's going to die of old age in a few minutes, so he has to greet her to prepare her for eternity. It's all part of the job description. Too bad there were never any pamphlets on the subject.

He can still feel Alfred's presence in his being. It's a warm feeling he hasn't been able to shake off, nor has he wanted to.

When their lips were touching, it was like a fire.

He feels the warmth grow stronger, but decides to ignore it. It's pointless to get his hopes up at this point. Why would Alfred hunt him down?

It's nighttime in the city, and the lights from the buildings that are still standing are beautiful. One thing Death can marvel at is electricity. No such thing was around when he was alive, and the lights are simply marvelous at night.

He's amazed how far mankind has advanced.

He makes his way down one of the cobblestone streets, enjoying the clear night despite the bitter chill in the air. It's not nearly as cold as it has been, but when the sun sets there's always a chill.

He finds the old house the woman is in, and enters, undetected as always.

Within mere moments, he ceases her struggles, emitting her to eternity. Everyone's afterlife is different. If you're hoping for a city in the clouds, sorry. That's unrealistic. Arthur can certainly attest to that.

He has more names from Germany on his list again, but he's dreading the return. He's walking as slowly as possible to better postpone the scene he fears will await him.

He just…needs comfort of some kind. No one ever said it would be easy to be the Reaper, but every now and then it seems harder than usual. After all, Arthur is only human. Well, he used to be.

Deciding he can't bear it any longer, he sets out to find Alfred, to see him even if it's only one last time. He has to see him, needs to see him. It's a force of gravity he can't fight anymore.


Death enters the barracks, knowing Alfred will be inside. Most of the men are either out at the pubs, or womanizing, or God knows what, but Alfred always avoids the latter. The most he will do is drink, but always leaves before things get too hectic.

Usually it was to see Arthur, but who knows now? Maybe he's just tired tonight and decided to go to bed early.

Either way, Arthur finds him in his small space, curled under the sheets with his unruly hair poking out. Death looms over him, sitting on the corner as he observes the young male.

"Mmmnnnnghhhh…" Alfred sighs, reaching his hand out to tug Arthur's toward himself. "Arrrr….furrr…"

"Well, it's 'Arthur', but at least you tried," Death smiles fondly. Slowly, blue eyes open to observe him.

"Arthur…?"

"Indeed."

Alfred jumps to sit up and thrust himself into the Reaper's arms.

"A-Alfred, you could warn me!" Arthur sputters, struggling to not topple into the floor.

"I thought… I thought you'd never come see me again!" Alfred wails. "I kept sensing you near, but you never came and I… I thought I did something wrong!"

Arthur holds him tightly in assurance.

"No, love. Not at all. I messed up, not you. I'm sorry for…the other night…"

"The other night?! It's been two fucking weeks!"

"Your vocabulary never seems to get any cleaner."

"…Shut up."

Death only smiles as he inhales the scent he's missed so much. The intoxicating aroma of Alfred Jones. He… He can't go back to how they were. He just can't.

"I came to see you one last time…"

Alfred snaps back in alarm.

"Wha…?"

"What happened last time… It was absolutely uncalled for and I can never apologize enough. I was weak and… I'm truly sorry."

"Sorry? For what?"

"For what?! I kissed you and-! Look, I'm sorry, alright?"

Alfred bites his cheek and looks up at the shadowed figure in the room.

"That was just for comfort though, right? I mean… You did it because you were scared… That's fine…"

Arthur looks at him incredulously.

"It was not just for some seek of comfort! It was more than that! It is more than that! I can't… I can't keep doing this..."

"Doing what…?"

"You know bloody well what! You're truly the cruelest human I've ever met! Do you know what you're doing to me?!"

Alfred only shakes his head, a helpless look on his face.

"…That's why I have to go. I can't do this," Arthur says, softening at Alfred's pleading look.

"Please don't leave me, Arthur…"

Death hisses at him and shoves him down into the sheets.

"That's what I mean! You keep wanting me around, wanting me, and wanting me! You'll never…never want me like I want you…"

"Arthur…"

They stare at each other in the dim light, Alfred under the Reaper and making no motions to get up. Arthur caresses his face and marvels at him, observing as the distance between them closes once more. When their lips meet, it's different from before. Alfred responds immediately, wrapping his arms around Death's neck. They sink into the sheets together, their lips moving in unison.

Suddenly, Alfred's mouth opens, and their tongues begin to massage each other. It's an indescribable feeling to Arthur, who's losing himself in this stimulation.

"Arthur…Arthur…"

Death growls and continues kissing the sandy blond, greedily tasting his overly sweet mouth. This indulgence is another indicator of his weakness, associated with his connection to the human race.

Humans truly are fleeting little things, only acting on impulse to get what they want. And that's something that affects the entire population, no matter what flag you fly.

"I… I wanted this too…" Alfred gasps when their mouths finally part, a strand of saliva connecting them.

"You did?" Arthur asks, lifting his hand to wipe their mouths clean.

"I thought…it was wrong… Didn't want…you to get in trouble…"

Arthur smiles at him fondly, caressing his face.

"I don't care about that, Alfred."

"…You should…"

Their lips connect again, effectively cutting off any further protests. Sure, there could be repercussions later. There's always that chance.

But now… Now is another matter.

[This body holding me reminds me of my own mortality. Embrace this moment, remember we are eternal. All this pain is an illusion.]


Sachi: Yay, we've gotten past the endless torture of the first hump of their relationship! Hehehe. Review please! My feedback last time was so incredible; I may go through withdrawals if I don't get the same response! D: GIVE ME MY FIX!