All Work & No Play

[amongthethorns]

[Honestly, they're all exhausted - not tired but just worn out physically - after getting called all the way over here to help deal with a sudden rapid spike of missing souls which had been caused, unsurprisingly by an influx of demons. It was an odd thing and they still needed to pinpoint the origin of this matter, after all. Neither they nor the Paris Reapers could figure out what can caused an entire legion of Hells most foul to ascend on the city of lights.

Thankfully, with the five of them working pulled through just fine even if Alan was just a junior and Ronald was a rookie still. 

At least the hotel was nice even if they had to bunk up; two beds to each room. At least they had adjoining rooms so if they wanted they could throw the door between the two rooms open and interact.

Alan closed the field kit he'd been using to tend even their most minor of injuries; huffing out a tired but relieved breath. His chest ached just slightly and his shoulders slumped a little bit.] 

Well, that was certainly interesting if I don't say so myself. I know we've still got a few more days here in the city just to make sure things are well in hand an find answers, but what do we do for now? I mean - what do you even do in Paris?   

[He turned toward his bed where a rather large suitcase was tucking the field kit away. He'd brought a few things with him. They'd put all their belongings into this singular suitcase - fresh suits, documentations they needed when they went to Paris's dispatch branch for briefings and reports, a few other odds and ends.]

Comments

[amongthethorns]

I've certainly tried everything I can to get you to be a bit less wild and reckless. Lectures don't seem to work so I've grown to accept it.

[He shrugged.]

And the non-potentially dangerous kinds of reckless aren't that bad I suppose. A little rule bending and all can't be the end of the world.

[ochitashinigami]

[He laughs]

Spears lectures enough. I'm immune.

And all right I'm reckless, but when did I ever get into something I couldn't get out of?

[amongthethorns]

[He rolls his eyes.] You think you would listen to your boss.

[Alan huffed softly cutting the rest of his crepe into bite size bits.]

Counterpoint, When have you gotten into something and I haven't been there to help get you out of it?

[ochitashinigami]

[Eric chuckles and smiles]

Never.

[He takes another bite]

[amongthethorns]

Someone's got to keep you out of trouble and I made that my secondary job.

[Yeah he did that. Self appointed and all that. He's eating with a little hum. Half way through he's picking up his tea and gripping it between both hands. So let's assess. He's in Paris, on a date with Eric - but is it a date date?]

You know this was a good idea.

[ochitashinigami]

It really was a good idea. I'm glad you agreed to it.

[He smiles]

And what if it is your job, and what if I'm grateful for it.

[amongthethorns]

Maybe I was feeling just a little selfish. Don't tell Mister Spears or Grell but if I'm going to have a chance to slip off to check something off of my list of things I want to do without it causing too much of a fuss? I'm absolutely going to.

[There was a playful little grin tugging at his lips.]

Oh? This this your way of saying thank you, Mister Slingby?

[ochitashinigami]

[He smiles back]

Perhaps. But tell me more about that list. What's on it?

[amongthethorns]

Oh. Just you know things I didn't get to do before. Somethings I've started on learning to cook for example. Oh and starting a garden. Travel a little. Silly little things like that mostly.

[Which leads him into a question that he's happily asking.]

Don't you have things you never got to do back then? There has to be at least one thing no matter how silly.

[ochitashinigami]

[Eric looks whistful for a moment]

Nothing important. Tell me more about your garden that you'd like.

[amongthethorns]

Oh come on, there has to be something.

[There's a little pout at there so obviously being something but Eric not wanting to share.]

I might have started growing an herb garden in the kitchen of my dorm room. When I move into my own flat I'll expand to other plants. I have a list.

[ochitashinigami]

It's lame, I promise.

[He takes another bite]

Would you have any flowers?

[amongthethorns]

Knowing you? Doubtful.

[But fine he'll just move bits of crepe around on his plate before answering.]

Of course flowers. All kinds of flowers. Thought I like purple, blue, and pink ones the most.

[He spears another bit of crepe looking at it thoughtfully.] I bet I could even do strawberries. [Then he's eating again.]

[ochitashinigami]

[Eric can't help but smile again]

I can picture tending roses.

And strawberries are delicious.

[amongthethorns]

But roses are climbing plants I don't think I could keep them in my flat - unless I do miniatures. Even if the bigger ones are very, very tempting.

[ochitashinigami]

There are climbing ones, but there are bushes too. And they do come in miniatures.

[amongthethorns]

I know I just like the climbing ones a bit better. There's something about them that's just - [He trailed off with a little shrug, nudging his empty plate aside.] - different.

[ochitashinigami]

[Eric smiles]

You'll have some someday.

[Eric can't help patting his hand]

[amongthethorns]

[Help him. Eric shouldn't smile at him like that. Or say sweet things like that that may very well not happen.]

Of course, I will.

[Lying like a liar. Great. He laughs and draws his hand away.]

Don't think saying cute things gets you out of me being slightly put out with you for not sharing.

[ochitashinigami]

[Ah! Maybe it was too much. Don't touch Alan.

He puts on another carefree smile even though he's panicking, it's what he's good at.]

And what didn't I share?

[He's share anything with you, Alan.]

[amongthethorns]

You said whatever was on your list was lame. So you didn't tell me.

[He shifted slightly in his seat.]

Frankly, I doubt you have a lame bone in your body. Then again I think some of mine are lame. I mean growing flowers? Visiting various parts of Europe? Definitely not the most adventurous.

[ochitashinigami]

[Eric smiles dashingly. He's good at it.]

I'm sorry, I was so busy looking at your eyes I forgot what we were taking about.

[amongthethorns]

I...

[Alan just trails off looking at him. Is he flirting with him? Is Eric Slingby flirting with him? Properly flirting with him?

Give him a minute. Then he's moving to lean over the table reaching to press his bare hand against Eric's forehead, testing for fever.]

You don't feel feverish. For a moment I thought you might have caught a cold. You're talking to me like I'm a receptionist in the office. Flirting with me.

[ochitashinigami]

[Alan is touching him and suddenly he forgets everything else.]

Ah... [He puts his hand on top of Alan's] I didn't mean to upset you.

[amongthethorns]

I'm not upset. I'm just -[A pause as he searches for the right word.]

A little confused to be honest. [He finishes peering at Eric with a brow arched, his hand relaxing under Eric's.]