The next afterlife

[dead_serious]

[ In hindsight, it was obvious. Reapers worked tirelessly, for centuries, trying to reach that one final goal - to be forgiven. For most, the feat of learning the value of life was impossible. The depression that lingered with them after they took their own lives was only compounded by their roles as death gods. So many joyous lives cut short, the lucky mortal's record almost mocking the unfortunate reapers as they watched the panels flip past their eyes. Most would forget they even had a chance to be forgiven, drowning in the enteral job set before them.

But, on rare occurrences, a reaper would find themselves before a jury, summoned away from their desks overflowing with paperwork on scheduled deaths. That is where William stands now. And perhaps even more surprising, is the other who stands beside him - Grell Sutcliffe. William had hardly believed himself capable of forgiveness, but the redhead...she'd looked at the mortal realm and laughed, hardly caring (and often finding it amusing) if she was the listed cause of death for some of those unfortunate people. How she is here, as well, is beyond him.

The committee has decided the both of you have come to an understanding on how valuable life truly is.

The woman at the centre of the row of judges addresses them both. William's brow creases, but he refrains from asking the obvious question of why, lest he ruin their chances at eternal peace.

Now that that matter is dealt with, we will move on to assessing your sins as a mortal.

William's expression quickly shifts to honest surprise, his eyes widening and blinking in confusion. The term 'forgiven' had been a misnomer since the beginning. How had he been so naive to think all their wrong doings while they'd been alive would be waved off as if they'd meant nothing? Swallowing heavily, he gives a brief side glance to Grell. For the first time, in this afterlife, he is scared. ]

Comments

[dead_serious]

[ William hums, unconvinced. Especially once he sees that Grell's newly acquired tail isn't helping that dress cover her rear. ]

Well have to cut a hole in that dress for your tail, too.

[Be thankful he doesn't have his scythe anymore or it would already be done! ]

[untodeath]

[ Glancing back over her shoulder at him, Grell raises her tail to give her bum a suggestive little waggle. ]

Better off than I was.

[ As for the task at hand, she sighs! ]

Perhaps we could get you in a tuxedo vest… You’re able to control those feathers on your arms, yes? I could’ve sworn they weren’t so massive before— though, of course, there’s been plenty to have distracted me… Hm!!

[dead_serious]

[ William raises one arm to inspect it, unsure how he would do such a thing, if it's even possible. Suddenly, the feathers retreat into his arms, leaving only short, fluffy tufts behind. ]

Seems so. [But then seeing that butt wiggle ] Will you stop that. No one needs to see you flashing your ass around but me.

[untodeath]

[ Grell perks up with a declarative sort of croon - but his possessiveness has her ears lowering with a nibble at her lip, as she slinks over to him. ]

Is that right~? Why, you almost sound as though you care, Will❤️.

[dead_serious]

If you'd rather flit around Hell, fucking whomever calls after you, then be my guest.

[ Well now he can't make it sound like he cares too much! ]

[untodeath]

[ Draping over his shoulder, she’s very visibly unconvinced, if her grin says anything about it. ]

That’s precisely where we are, so you haven’t any reason to lie to yourself any longer. Unless, of course, you’d prefer to see me with someone else.

[dead_serious]

[ William's quiet a moment, as if thinking it over. ]

I may be keen on watching. So long as they mean nothing to you.

[untodeath]

[ Thats likely the closest she’ll get to William admitting that he wishes to be exclusive, so she’ll take it. She gives his cheek a kiss, whilst cupping it’s opposite. ]

You know me better than that. I’m positively obsessed.

[ Right, then! She’s been eying them, but she might a well put the option on the table; plucking a pair of leather pants off the rack, she hands them to William without question. ]

[dead_serious]

That's quite the understatement.

[ These pants, though. ]

You can't honestly expect me to wear these.

[untodeath]

[ Grell only hums in agreement! ]

Well, unless you prefer the tear-away trousers, I think those are your best bet.

[dead_serious]

[ He's not sure which sounds worse so he appeases her, finding a changing room in the back of the store. They certainly hug him in the right spots, but he can't say he enjoys them better than shorts. At least those allowed him some movement. He pulls back the curtain, already frowning. He knows Grell isn't going to let him leave without them. ]

You may as well find me a shirt, at this rate.

https://bit.ly/3icq75L

[untodeath]

[ Grell quirks a brow, because— damn, his muscular physique certainly carried over into this form. She licks her lips, partly amused, but also completely turned on. ]

Oh, I have, but you’re not going to like it. [ She hands him a hanger, which she’d left off to the side; it holds a vest made of a weathered looking material, laced up with leather straps, and topped off with buckles! ] It should make for a proper look, actually!

[dead_serious]

[ William just looks from the shirt, to Grell, then back again. No he is not pleased. But it's better than a lot of other things she could have chosen. So, to end this little shopping trip asap, he grabs it and puts it on. ]

I feel ridiculous.

[ Says a lot, considering all the other new attributes he's acquired. Tossing the hanger aside, he glances up to the counter where the lady is still preoccupied. Then he takes Grell's hand, pulling her along to the store's rear exit. ]

[untodeath]

[ Grell clamps a hand over her mouth to keep herself from laughing, and once she has that under control, she takes a breath. ]

I’d call it distinguish— oh!

[ She looks rather surprised at William’s initiative - but also, incredibly delighted!! Once they’re out the back, and the fire alarm has gone off, she bursts into laughter! ]

Well, that was unexpected!

[dead_serious]

[ Not too keen on finding out if crime is brushed off in Hell or gets you a new kind of punishment, he manages to extend his wings once more and scoops her up. Once he can no longer hear the alarm blaring he drops them back to the sidewalk. ]

It isn't as though we have any money to pay for them.

[untodeath]

[ Nearly squealing in delight, she wraps her arms around his neck to snuggle close. And delays in letting go, once they’ve landed. ]

Mn, right, of course! But I suppose that I anticipated having to be the bad influence in this scenario~

[dead_serious]

There's no sense in upholding rules anymore, I suppose.

[ Wings retracting once more, he reaches to adjust his glasses, only to finally notice they're no longer there. And, gasp! he can see, anyway! He blinks a few times, obviously thrown off by this. ]

[untodeath]

[ Grell is so glad that she’s witnessing this realisation firsthand, it’s incredibly endearing! ]

You’re absolutely right. Look where it got us. [ Not that she was any good at it, in the first place. ]

[dead_serious]

[ With a sigh and a shake of his head he takes in his surroundings. ]

Speaking of, at some point we should have a talk about what we saw of one another's records.

[ Just an absent thought as he starts walking towards a large building down the street with a lighted sign reading, "Hazbin Hotel". ]

[untodeath]

[ Grell trails after him with a hum. She’s getting much better at using her legs, but she’s still testing them out, as they go. Gives a little hop, a spring, tries to adjust her gait. ]

Are you sure? That won’t be an easy conversation, and I’ve always known you to avoid anything too— emotional.

[dead_serious]

I'm aware. However, we've lived two lives together now. I believe it only makes sense to share the one we were apart.

[ Her bouncing around like that could be deemed annoying, but in a way, her "liveliness" refreshing. ]

[untodeath]

[ Lively as she may be, those words sober her - though, in the best way. She catches up, to slip an arm under his, and lace their fingers together. ]

You’re delightfully romantic, when you wish to be. [ Her cheeks are even a bit rosy, as she shoots him a smile! ]

[dead_serious]

What is romantic about discussing our tragic pasts?

[ Wishes to be, more like unknowingly. Still, he keeps her hand in his as they approach the building. ]

Perhaps we can sneak a room key if one of us distracts the receptionist.

[untodeath]

[ That earns an amused breath, as she nudges her shoulder into his just so.

Allow me to reference my previous point,

[ But, now that they're directly facing this so-called Hazbin Hotel, she tilts her head at the sign. ]

Interesting name. I suppose we can't be picky in this situation, can we? Not that I'm complaining-- it sounds fun. [ As one might guess, she has a wickedly excited grin. ] Now, you aren't very good at lying, darling, so I think that you should leave the distraction to me.

[ Though, neither of them could really expect what waited inside-- staff waiting about, with no other customers in sight. One young blonde, in particular, bombards them with joyful enthusiasm. Another man, tall and dressed in red (to Grell's interest), asks them many questions, for which he doesn't wait on the answers to, ad insists that it's their lucky day. He's right, because with all attention focused on them, there's no possible way that they could have gotten away with-- anything, really! ]

[dead_serious]

[ William's becoming more exasperated by the moment. There's far too many demons up in his personal space, all of whom are yammering on about things as if Grell and himself had been here for years and should know what they're talking about.

Oh, and that red guy... yeah, Grell has taught him to be wary of loud, dramatic, red-clad individuals with unsettling pointy-tooth grins. And with Grell now sporting a set of ears, the two look far too similar. ]

We need a room.

[ He cuts them off, straight and to the point. Perhaps they can barter something as payment. The girl seems far to excited that they've stepped through the doors to refuse them. ]