Chapter 14
Disclaimer- I own nothing!
A/N- So, this story was dragging for awhile because I sort of forgot what I wanted to do with it. Now that I remember chapters won't hold such filler anymore. Sorry for dragging this on.
Eric watched as Alan was having trouble staying on his feet, this was really starting to get to him. He knew damn well it wasn't just from last week when they went out drinking with Ron, Alan was sick. He was a reaper though; he should have gotten better by now. In the pit of his stomach he had this nagging fear of what it could be and he would do anything to have him be wrong. Turning the corner to where he left Alan while he went to reap he saw him looking dazed as he looked at the roofs in the town.
"Al? Everything alright?"
Hearing him Alan turned, he was sweating again.
"Something is near."
"What is?" Moving closer he put his body in front of Alan's to protect him from whatever he was sensing. Usually Alan would have been able to defend himself but the way he was acting made him worry. He didn't see anything; he didn't sense anything near them.
"Hey Al, is it still nearby?" Barely getting the words out he heard Alan start screaming. Spinning ready to attack he saw nothing was near them. It was just the two of them. Dropping his scythe he ran to him and put his hands on his shoulders. Alan was screaming, fighting against something in his head. Was he in pain?
"Al, talk to me, what's wrong?" Not getting through to him Eric wasn't sure what to do. They had to get him somewhere but he didn't want to move him like this. Feeling Alan go limp in his hands Eric caught him in his arms before he fell to the ground. Grabbing their scythes he ran Alan back to the society to be looked at. Something was seriously wrong with Alan and he wasn't going to lose him.
Finally able to see Alan again he saw him asleep in the infirmary bed. Sitting next to him he refused to move until Alan opened his eyes, until he was certain he was alright.
"Eric Slingby." Hearing William in the room he saw him coming closer.
"I'm not going back to work right now. I don't care what people say, I'm not leaving Alan."
"That's not why I am here." Handing a folder to Eric he hesitated taking it from him. He was scared what information was inside. William wasn't given files over why they were in the infirmary unless it was serious. Opening the cover Eric's eyes didn't want to read what was inside the folder.
"We knew this could happen. It was slated to. He is what the books mention."
"I won't lose him. Those books can change. We have seen them change."
"Eric. I have to place you on lock down."
"I know. But not until Alan wakes up. I won't let him wake up alone."
"Fine."
Taking the folder back from Eric, William walked out of the room to leave Eric and Alan alone. Grabbing the sheet Alan laid on Eric's hand turned into a clenched fist. He failed him. He had tried so hard to protect him. He had promised him to not let this come true. Alan deserved a life free from pain. Why did he have to be the one? Feeling his eyes start to burn he shut them tight hoping they would stop, he didn't want Alan to see him like this. He never should have brought him here.
Alan's eyes slowly opened to see Eric next to him, a slight smile on his face formed as he saw him awake.
"How are you feeling?"
"Better because you're here."
"You should have known I wouldn't leave you." Leaning over he kissed Alan's forehead.
"Everything okay Eric? Something doesn't seem right with you."
"I was just worried about you that's all. I wasn't sure what was going on with you."
"Sorry. I got this splitting headache all of a sudden and I kept hearing all these voices."
"Do you still?"
"No, the voices are gone, as is the headache."
"Maybe it was the presence you were feeling. You've always felt things better than me."
"Maybe. It was really bad, I hope I don't feel it again."
"Me too."
Alan looked around the society for Eric. He hadn't seen him all day. He had to go on assignment alone, he was used to it but usually Eric was at his desk, or they had lunch together. At least he was feeling better, that was good. He hadn't felt this good in a while. Putting his scythe away he saw Eric's was missing. Was he out on assignment? Going back to the house he waited up for him, tried to hold dinner for him only he never came back. What was going on, Eric had never not come home before. If he was going on a long assignment he would have told him. Opening the door to Eric's bed he curled on top of the bed, he didn't like being alone. The pillows smelled of his shampoo, his scents of his normal scent. Where was Eric? Why did everyone seem to be acting weird to him, maybe he was just going crazy but he could have sworn everyone was watching him today at work. Maybe if he went to bed he would wake up to Eric in bed with him in the morning.
Alan sat at his desk looking over at Eric's empty one. He hadn't seen him for over a week, hadn't heard from him, hadn't heard anything about him. It was like he just up and left one day. The last time he saw him was when he woke up in the infirmary with him beside him. Why would Eric just leave? Ever since they found each other here they were always together, Eric wouldn't just leave him. Something had to have happened. Standing from him desk he walked over to Ronald.
"Ronald, have a minute?"
Looking up over his paperwork Ronald knew this was coming, it was only a matter of time.
"I know nothing Alan. I swear."
"That means you do. You didn't even let me ask you."
"You are an open book. You look terrible. Have you even slept at all?"
"I'm just worried. Eric has never not come home. What if something happened? You're his friend too, aren't you the least bit concerned."
Biting his lip he said, "I'm sure he is fine Al."
Slamming his hands on his desk Alan said, "How can you be so calm about this? He would be out looking if it was one of us!"
"Al, it's, it's not what you think. It's not that I am not concerned."
"Then tell me what you know! Please." Slouching he leaned over on to Ronald's desk to cry in his arms. He couldn't do this anymore; he needed to know what was going on. Why did he feel like this was all his fault?
"Alan Humphries." Hearing his name he lifted his head to see Ronald looking over him, turning his head he saw William behind him.
"Sorry sir, I didn't mean to cause a disturbance."
"Come with me."
"Yes sir." Drying his eyes he followed William to his office. He could feel everyone eyes on him as they passed. They all knew something they didn't want to speak to him about.
Going into the office William shut the door behind him and had him take a seat.
"Your concern for Eric Slingby is misplaced. He is fine."
"You know where he is?!"
"I have stated before that you two should not have fallen for each other have I not?"
"Yes sir." Dropping his head he knew William had told them to end it months ago. Not that it was that simple though, they were in love.
"I am concerned for him, he is an old friend, a brother to me, we have always had each other's back sir. I can't not worry about him. I know he would do the same for me."
"You both have gone against direct orders."
"So, what, is he on some sort of disciplinary action?"
"I am not at liberty to talk about it."
"I see."
Being excused Alan went back to his desk to finish up his work before he had to head out on assignment. While he knew nothing about Eric he felt a little better talking to William. Seeing Ronald come over he looked up at him.
"Al, I'm sorry I couldn't tell you anything."
"No, it's fine. I get it."
"Look, if I get in contact with him, I'll let him know you are waiting for him to get back."
"Thanks Ronald." Looking over at Eric's desk he hoped he could come back soon. How he missed him.
Eric paced the room he was stuck in. He hated being here. No one told him anything. He had no idea how Alan was feeling, if he was back at work, if he knew what was going on, nothing. Being on lockdown was maddening. Why couldn't they understand that he had made a promise to Alan to always be there for him? Alan was his everything, the only thing that made this life of torture worth something. As much as he regretted bringing Alan here, putting him through so much he was glad he had him by his side. Banging the glass wall he screamed in frustration. He had to think of something, he refused to never see Alan again; he refused to let him down, to let him die alone. Maybe William was right though, maybe their fate was slated. If so then he would go kicking and screaming, he would do what he had too to save Alan.
Alan stopped running to place a hand over his heart. "Eric." He missed him, he wanted to see him. Why did he start thinking of him all of a sudden, he was in the middle of something? Looking around he saw a shadow move past him. Running after him he cut the demon down before they realized he was near. Sending the demon back to hell he ran towards the target he was sent after in the first place. He would find Eric, he would see him again. He would do what he had to for them to be together again, that was his promise to him. He may not know where to look but he would search the globe if he had to.
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OMG I found the best music for this story, helps so much with getting an update. I hope you guys continue to enjoy this story and I give you what you want. Please let me know.
~Femalefighter~