thedispatch | All Work & No Play

[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.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[For a minute or two, Alan doesn't know what to make of that. Let go of him? He hadn't made a movement to even draw away. But then, his head tilts.]

I didn't say you had to. It's just - What is this to you? What am I to you?

I hoped it was obvious.

Not in the least. You confuse me more than anyone I've ever met in my entire life.

[He exhales, deciding he has to just go through with it.]

You... you're... [He swallows] The most important at dispatch to me. I.. like you more than any of them.

The most important. The one you like the most.

[Alan echoed the words as his head tilted slightly to the side and he drew back to peer up at Eric, confusion on his features.]

So - a co-worker?

[Eric gulps and hooks Alan's hair behind his ear. There's a long pause and then...]

No

Oh.

[Not a work thing then. Alan leaned into that touch as he stripped away that part of it.]

So - That kiss at the cafe, you meant that?

[He looks upwards and takes another deep breath]

You thought I didn't?

I didn't know what to think. You never really said anything before then we were kissing and -

[There's just this little shrug of his shoulders.]

[Eric just leans in and kisses him again]

[Alan's hands drifted up and gripped at Eric's shoulders, fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt. He kissed him back, the fingers on his left hand slid into Eric's hair.]

[The kiss becomes longer and deeper. He wraps his arms around Alan and crushes him to him, never breaking the kiss

Tears break over his cheeks but he ignores it, never letting Alan go.]

[That - there was no way that he could deny what this meant. Not with the way Eric was holding on to him, kissing him. Not with the way his own fingers dug into Eric's shoulders and the soft sound he heard leave his own throat.

Eric obviously meant this as much more than Alan could have dared to imagine.]

[Eric breaks the kiss, and kisses over Alan's chin, throat, and neck. Then, he finally forces himself to stop. He's afraid he overwhelmed Alan.]

I... I didn't mean to scare you or make you uncomfortable.

[He inhaled softly, the sound a pant as Eric's lips pressed against his jaw, his neck. He licked his lips, trying to find his words.]

I'm not - I mean - [He puffed out a soft laugh, his fingers toying with Eric's hair.] I'm not scared or uncomfortable. Surprised might be a better word.

Are you certain?

[Alan laughed breathlessly before rolling ihs eyes.]

Eric. I'm sure. I'm really sure. I'm not scared or anything I just didn't know you felt that way.

[He takes a long deep breath.]

Do you... I mean... [He's uncharacteristically awkward.]

Do I feel that way? Is that what you're asking?

[He's not teasing even if he does find Eric at a loss for words a bit endreaing and cute. He assumes that that was what Eric was asking so he was taking a soft breath.]

Of course I do. I mean I - How could I not?

[Eric is still lost for words. He pulls back slightly and just looks Alan in the eye, stroking his cheek.]

Really?

[The question is almost childish sounding.]

[He leaned into that touch with a roll of his eyes.]

I'm not in the habit of pranks or teasing when it comes to important things.

[There was a nod as his fingers toyed with Eric's shirt.]

Yes, really. I'm sure.

[Eric smiles and manages a half-sob half-laugh as he holds Alan to him.]

I was so frightened you thought that I was just a friend... and would be horrified if you knew how I feel.

To be fair, I did think of you as just a friend because that's what I thought you wanted. I made myself think that.

[His lips part ready to ask why Eric had thought he would be horrified but it's not hard to know why. Eric is older than him and while he doesn't know the story of Eric's life or even his death, he does know far too more than he would like about the nature of people.]

Never. I would never be horrified to know someone loved me.

I wouldn't dream of pressing the issue if you didn't love me. If you want to be friends I will be your devoted friend and never lay this at your feet again.

Maybe I like the way you lay things at my feet. [He tugged at Eric as he leaned up to press a light kiss to his lips.] How about you be my devoted boyfriend instead, hm?

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