Chapter 10

Disclaimer- I own nothing!

After dinner they didn't know what to do next. Just walking around they talked a little while window shopping. Eric didn't know what Alan wanted to do and Alan wasn't sure what usually happened during dates or if Eric had something planned. Back home a typical date was going to the girls house and chatting with her and her parents, maybe attending an event with her after so long. Here, well that didn't work here.
"I'm sorry this isn't more interesting. I had thought I thought this through before I asked you out."
"So why don't we do that? I don't care what we do, I'm having fun just like this."
"Really?"
"Yes. Just hanging out with you, well, it's fun for me. It always has been." Feeling his face start to blush Alan looked at the ground hoping Eric didn't see. Seeing the blush in his cheeks Eric took Alan's hand.
"I want to show you something." Leading the way Eric took them to the dispatch. Before Alan could question why they were here Eric brought them up the stairs to the roof, past where they were allowed.
"Oh wow." Letting go of Eric's hand Alan looked at the view they had from up here. You could see most of the society, not to mention that the stars and moon looked even closer. Alan felt like he could reach up and touch it.
"Nice huh? I love coming up here. I did it a lot before you joined." Moving ahead of Alan he pointed off into the distance.
"See that little light? That's our place."
"Really? Oh wow, yea it is!" Alan moved closer to him to see it. His eyes were wide with awe and amazement at this view. He never knew such view existed here. Eric couldn't hide the smile on his face from seeing how Alan was to see this. He loved making Alan happy, to be the one that brought a smile to his face, he always had. He was glad he finally told Alan how he truly felt about him; he knew he should have done it sooner. Now all he wished to know was if Alan felt the same way. He could tell when he asked him out that he wasn't sure if he shared the same feelings. And if Alan couldn't love him the same then he wouldn't force him and he wouldn't end all that they shared.

Home for the night Alan had gone into his room to change into his sleep clothes while Eric did his own thing. He hoped Alan would agree to more dates for the future, he really wanted them to work out. Though, as he thought about it relationships weren't really looked for at work. Most just did hookups but serious, long term relationships were practically unheard of. He wondered why.
"Eric?" Seeing Alan coming out of his room he finished putting his own shirt on.
"What's up?"
"I. Well I, I just wanted to say thanks. For tonight. I had a lot of fun. And I, I hope we can do that again."
"I'm glad to hear that Alan. I'm sure we can do that again." Moving closer he saw the pink tint in his cheeks, Alan was adorable when he blushed.

Two months, unbelievable, they had been dating for two months already. Alan had completed his training with Eric and now got to reap alone, though he could tell Eric hated that idea. He really wished he knew why. Sure he worried about Eric when he went out alone but he also knew how strong and capable he was so he never really panicked about it, not the way Eric did. It was two months and they couldn't do anything for it. Eric had to work. He promised to make it up to him later though if he didn't he wasn't going to be mad. They hadn't gone public about their relationship, they had been told not to. William had brought them both into his office a few weeks ago and asked if they had become close. He told them it was obvious that their relationship wasn't the standard student teacher and to not let it grow deeper. Neither knew what the big deal was. They had never done anything so outrageous like make out while working, or anything even semi-romantic while on the clock. But, since William's warning they tried to keep it strictly professional in the work place. Finishing up for the day Alan went to punch out and head home. He may not know when Eric was finishing up but that didn't mean he couldn't plan a nice dinner for him to come home to. Heading out he ran into a new face at the office, literally.
"I am so sorry, are you alright?"
"I am. No harm done, see."
Alan looked over them, he looked young, around his age, maybe a year younger at most.
"Did you just start here?"
"At the society? I've just finished my exams. I start working here tomorrow."
"Well then welcome, I'm Alan."
"Ronald. Have you been here long?"
"About two years now. Do you know who you're training with?"
"Ronald Knox. Have you finished your exam?"
Both looked to see William coming from his office for the night.
"I have sir. I have already handed the file to my teacher who has approved it. I am supposed to start with Mr. Sutcliff tomorrow."
"Very good. See you tomorrow then."
"Yes sir, good night"
"You're with Grell?"
"Yes. Do you know how good of a teacher he is? Whenever I say I am with him I get these really odd looks."
"He is, strange, as a reaper goes. I am sure you will do just fine with him though."
"Who did you have, if I may ask?"
"I trained under Eric Slingby."
"Mr. Slingby I heard he is one of the best teachers to have!"
Alan was surprised to see how excited Ronald became over the news. And he didn't know people considered him one of the best. Eric was great at his job but he also knew how much of a slacker he could be too.
"Once you're settled here we should go out somewhere, the three of us. Help you with something if you need it."
"Really? That would be great! Thanks! Well I should get going. See you tomorrow than."
"Good night. See you tomorrow."
Separating they went their own ways. Alan headed home and decided what to do for dinner.

Eric got home much later then he hoped to, even though he had worked faster than usual. Coming into the front door he could smell the lingering scent of dinner waiting for him. Alan had made something fantastic again; good to know one of them could really cook.
"Al?" Coming into the kitchen he saw he wasn't here. Heading into the living room he saw he was across the couch fast asleep. He must have wanted to stay up to wait for him. He was too much.
"Thanks for waiting." Leaning down he kissed his forehead before going into his bedroom to grab covers for him. He didn't want to risk waking him by bringing him into his bedroom. They had been together a couple months now and they never slept together, they hadn't even shared a bed. Alan always slept in his bed and as much as he would love to sleep beside Alan he wasn't going to bring it up and make him feel forced to do something he may not feel comfortable with. Going back to the kitchen he saw dinner was still warm for him needing little time to re-heat. Eating quickly he cleaned everything up before going into his own room and changing for the night. He worked late tonight and had to work normal time tomorrow, he would be exhausted.

Both had the weekend off for a change allowing them to spend time together.
"I feel William is only doing this because he knows we are something."
"Probably. I wish I knew why we have to be so secretive about it."
"He is probably jealous, because you know he is with Grell but is ashamed about it. Oh did you hear, Grell has a new trainee."
"Yea I did. I already met him too. He is a nice kid."
"Hear his story? Got hit by a carriage."
"I didn't know that, that is horrible. So why did we come to the living world again?" Stopping in his tracks Alan looked around confused as to why Eric decided he had to come to London.
"I'm tired of looking at the society. At least London has some different sites. And I have a favor to ask of you."
"Oh? And what would that be?"
"I, I think I want to check in."
"You mean back, oh! That's great! About time!"
"I really don't want to but I have this feeling I should. And since we have the day off together I hoped you might want to come with me."
"Of course I'll go with you."
"Thanks Alan." Smiling he felt Alan take his hand as they continued walking, only now with a destination.

They stopped outside Eric's childhood home frozen by the feeling they got as they got closer. It wasn't from a demon, but death lingered overhead.
"Eric?"
"Come on." Letting go of Alan's hand he went around the side of the house to the window that used to be in his old room. Pushing it up he went inside, Alan was right behind him. Leading the way Eric opened the bedroom door and stepped into the rest of the house, it was dark and quiet, life was still here though, he could feel it. Carefully going to his parents' bedroom he pushed the door open. Eric stood there in shock over what his eyes were witnessing. Alan came around to see it as well.
"Oh Eric."
Ignoring Alan, Eric went into the room to kneel beside the bed where is mother was. She was dying; he could tell right away she didn't have long left.
"Mother. I'm home, just like I promised."
Her face turned as her hand come to his face.
"My little Eric is that really you?"
"It is mother. Sorry I took so long. Where is father?"
"He went for a doctor. I don't see it making a difference though."
"Don't talk like that. You still have time here. Have you been sick for awhile now?"
She nodded slightly as he took her hands in his own.
Alan saw a shadow come next to him causing his heart to drop. Turning to Eric he whispered,
"Um Eric."
Eric looked over to see someone next to Alan, someone he didn't want to see just yet.
"Alan? Is that you?" Eric looked back at his mother hearing her.
"It is, Alan and I have been working together for some time now."
"Oh that's so good. I always knew you two would stay friends. You love that boy, from the time you were little." Eric was surprised to hear that from her.
"You're right I do love him."
Alan stepped closer as Ronald came into the room. Putting a hand on his shoulder he tried to send some support to him. This could not be easy for him.
"I'm glad to see you again ma'am. I just wish we got here sooner."
"Alan. Can you help make sure Eric takes care of himself? Lord knows he was always getting into something he shouldn't."
Smiling knowing how right she was he nodded. "Of course ma'am."

Eric's father had just gotten back before Ronald had to do his job. Eric and Alan hung back in the corner while they watched her life leave this world. Eric couldn't face his father right now, sneaking out once Ronald had her soul Alan ran out after him.
"Eric I am so sorry." Catching up with him he wished he would stop and talk to him.
"I shouldn't have come back here."
"You did the right thing. Didn't you see how happy you made her?"
"She probably thought I was just some hallucination from the fever."
"So what? She was happy in her final moments and that's all that matters."
"Eric Slingby?" Hearing a voice coming up to them Alan saw it was Ronald, he must be done. "I. I wanted to say how sorry I am. I can't imagine how hard that must have been and I."
"Just drop it. You collected her soul, you did your job, you can go."
"Eric. He is trying to send his condolences to you. Thank you Ronald. You did very well without your mentor."
"Thank you." Turning to leave he heard Eric call his name.
"You're Ronald? The new kid?"
"I am."
"Thanks."
Bowing slightly he walked away from them to give Eric space.

They went to the funeral the next morning and stayed in the back to stay out of sight. Eric wanted to attend out of respect and to say one final good-bye. Alan stayed next to him trying his best to send him strength. To most he was strong but he could see he was torn up over this. This was why he wanted to forget about his past years ago.
"Is that girl with your mother you're little sister?"
"I believe so."
"She looks like you."
"She looks healthy too. That's good to see."
"Alan. Thanks for being here with me."
"You know I would be there for you, for anything." Locking eyes Eric saw the truth in his words, not that he didn't already know Alan never lied.
"I wasn't lying yesterday. When I told my mother I loved you."
"I know. And I love you too."
"You do?"
"I do."
Pulling his arms around Alan he brought him close to his body. Feeling Alan hug him back they stayed like this until the ones around them started to leave the cemetery. Once alone Eric went to see the plot where his mother was, she was laid beside him. At least they got to be together in one way. He would probably never see her again, those that didn't become reapers were sent to otherworld and reapers couldn't access the world of the angels. Feeling Alan take his hand and squeeze it lightly he squeezed it back. At least he would always have Alan with him, the only thing that made an eternal life worth something.

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Since I got so much love for the last chapter I had to post of the next one right away. Now I'm off to work. Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Sorry it's depressing.
~Femalefighter~