death hides in clocks

That's simply how Spencer always seemed to leave him. Puzzled and wondering if the other knew just how otherworldly he was. It only half worked. Koichi blinked through the fog in his brain, registering the slight change of the other's outfit and what that could possibly mean. While on the surface he looked like his usual carefree self, on the inside his whole body was reacting to the how and why that had sort of worked.

"Damn, I'll work on that," he said with a breathy chuckle, his gaze far away in the crowd to focus back on the task at hand. He was definitely not thinking about Spencer's short skirt and cropped shirt. In his defence he was, after all, just a man. A weak man too when it came to matters such as these.

"The new get-up kinda suits you though," his voice wasn't as loud as it normally was, giving away that he was lost in thought. He spotted something far away and his hand sought out Spencer's wrist, gently pulling him along, minding the heels. "As much as I'd like to say let's enjoy it while it lasts, I think I spotted the culprit," he flashed the florist a cheeky grin, keeping the air around them light. Koichi hadn't exactly seen the witch in the first place- what would a witch actually look like? Probably not any different than anyone else in the area. He was simply basing his guess on the hat he'd seen, perhaps the witch was hiding in plain sight.

The whole thing almost made him forget his bimbofied outfit, until Katashi reminded him of it, of course. Spencer paused, oddly introspective despite the ridiculous situation they were in. "They actually don't feel all too bad to wear, y'know? Showing more skin than usual definitely needs some more time getting used to... but I feel like I'd only be comfortable wearing this around you at first."

Perking up at the first signs of said culprit, Spencer couldn't help but blink at Katashi's words. He... actually didn't think that far ahead. Looking down at his clothes and then glancing around everyone who was still in their own Barbie outfits, the reaper could admit that he was better off than others. Plus, he'd much rather just change out of his current get up than figure out how to de-frog-ify himself.

(Just around the corner, unbeknownst to the two men, the very woman who was the cause of all the turmoil that happened couldn't help but giggle into her hands when she pieced together what exactly happened with Katashi and Spencer."

He hadn't realised just how choked up he suddenly felt, hearing the reaper's words. You deserve good things. He looked down at their hands, no tears in his eyes yet, but his throat felt tight. Koichi wasn't sure what he deserved. He wanted to deserve something, to have something he'd never had. But every day, he was dishonest with people. Dishonest with Spencer, too. His fingers had slightly curled with the other's before they were let go and it almost felt like relief to lose the warmth of the touch. That way, his thoughts wouldn't go too far and too deep into what the other had just said.

The intensity of the moment faded a little as they stepped away from that spot and his head felt clearer already. "I've noticed," he responded to the other's admission about cooking, a small smile on his lips as he was led to the table. Spencer was safe with him and he hoped the other felt that way too, knew that he could tell him anything and not feel embarrassed. He watched the other with fondness in his gaze as he explained further, struggling to tear his gaze away. "I think that's a beautiful thought," he said eventually as he sat down as well, "It's a beautiful way of caring for someone." Not caring for Koichi specifically, he didn't want to hoard the other's affections to himself only. But he had to speak his mind because Spencer deserved to be encouraged to speak his mind with the healer, too.

"It all looks and smells wonderful," he turned his attention to the food to give the other some space to breathe, waiting a while before he'd reach out to take anything in case there was an order the other wanted him to have the food in, even though he knew how to plate it since it was from his culture. "Next time, I'm not sure I can be this calm about it if you make more foods from home," he chuckled lightly as he started with taking some soup, "I promise you it's only the shock keeping me on this chair."

"I'd say that caring for people had never been hard for me. It's more of... having people to care for being the more difficult part of things. I'm not the most extroverted person out there, and sometimes it's just hard for me to click with others." Continuing on with the rest of the food served on the table, the reaper looked up at the other man. Most of the time, he'd be extremely conscious of baring his soul to someone— but again, this was Katashi.

And although he still wasn't sure what exactly to call their relationship yet (because of course they were friends, but the term seemed so shallow for the attachment and fondness he felt for the other), but what he was sure of was that he could trust them completely. "And that's all noted then," he said, smile soft, "That just means I need to cook you more things just so that the shock eventually fades away into familiarity."

Taking a bite of his food as he thought of his past Halloweens, Spencer came to a blank as he tried to think of a time when he actively celebrated the holiday. Most of time, he was dragged by friends here and there to go to a party, wearing a half-assed costume when left to his own devices and simply following his friend's lead if ever they had a specific vision in mind.

And so just like any other boss (or so he'd read on a random and mildly sketchy looking website called Reddit), Spencer asked Lee Know to close up shop earlier this morning for lunch. He'd explained that he wanted to have a touch base of sorts with the mirrorwalker to see the areas they can fix.

This explained why the reaper was seated on the familiar couch in the very back room that he technically interviewed Lee Know in for the job. Crossing his legs and mentally listing down the points of discussion they'll have to go through, Spencer waited for his part-time working, crossing his legs and idly tapping his toe as he did so.

The doll was styling her hair, tying up half her hair in a half up half down hair eyes when she heard her bathroom door open. Her eyes widen looking at the other’s new look. "WOW! You look amazing Spencer!”

She immediately ran over to them fussing over the shirt that she could tell was pulled down to cover more of their waist. “You have such a small waist, so pretty!” She hiked up the shirt a bit to show more skin.

The enchanted doll could only think about all of the photoshoots she could take of the other, he could make so much money on onlyIA. the men of the internet love antagonist sex models. But of course, she didn’t mention that, she’s not supposed to tell people they would look good as a porn star…she didn’t need another lecture from Namjoon.

Wrapping his arms once more at the now exposed skin of his stomach, Spencer couldn't help but preen at the praise. "Please, we both know you would look just as great wearing this look, if not more." Catching a look of himself once more on one of the random reflective surfaces in the room, the reaper couldn't help but assess himself. Even with his clumsy eye for fashion, even he could admit that he didn't look half bad. As he straightened his back, Spencer wondered if he could ever wear something like this outside the comfort of his own home (or in this case, Joohyun's place).

Jinki grinned, his favorite words were said “Yes please feed me” He playfully winked with a chuckle as he followed the other inside. He quickly plopped down on the couch and immediately made himself comfortable.

“Tea please with 1 sugar and almond milk please, you know that stuff from the cow makes my stomach hurt” He commented as he stretched his arm against the back of the cough.

He couldn’t help but burst out laughing at Spencer’s comment “ No but I might need those for my own home. But no I’m trying to avoid the bed and breakfast being seen like that. I just need a couple of bouquets that say like 'Good Morning, Have a good day, Thank you for staying.” He hummed for a moment in thought before speaking again. “Actually I have an anniversary of a couple celebrating their 45th year of marriage” He smiled thinking back to the memeory of speaking to the husband in hush tones but his wife yelling in th background that she already knew what he was doing causing all of them to laugh.

"Do you think I'm your servant or something?" Despite his sharp words, Spencer walked around the pantry to prepare their drinks and snacks for them. "Yeah, don't worry. I don't want you farting on my couch— it's too new for that." In just a handful of minutes, the reaper was gently placing a tray down on the coffee table in front of Jinki, presenting the other with a cup of tea for each of them and a plate of cookies.

Studiously ignoring that his ears were warm from the genuine compliment (Spencer still wasn't the best at receiving words of praise), the reaper placed Jinki's drink in front of them before taking his own seat. "Flattery will get you everywhere, but I'll definitely take note of that. I'll even put notes on what each bouquet means so you can have an easier time deciding where to place them."

A small frown formed on Jeongmin’s face as the other seemed unsure about the shop. “mmm, still you want to turn a profit right?” he asked as he studied some of the plants and then looked at the other again wondering what was going on in Spencer’s mind. “Or is this more a hobby?” he did not know how much people earned with being  a reaper. Was it a lot? Was it little? He didn’t get paid for being a cupid but he also didn’t really have to do anything after he had healed broken hearts…

"Money would be nice, I guess, but it really isn't my priority? I'd say Flower Fetish is 80% a hobby and 20% a business at this point." Accountants would probably balk at the free stuff he gave his customers (usually fellow plant enthusiasts), but really, can you blame him? Spencer usually had a Type A personality, but it was clear in how he ran the place that his store would firmly be an exception.

“Oh, i am glad to hear that- but you still need to be aware of your body’s needs hun, or you’ll wither away and you’ll lose those cute cheeks of yours.” a poke to the man’s cheeks followed and she laughed.

“You’re a reaper- why don’t you believe in things like that? Crystals have powers I am sure and cards… well I think it is who wields the deck, is it not?” the woman asked as she looked at the magazines. She retrieved some snacks and drinks for them and motioned Spencer to sit down with her. “I have always wanted to be a mother and when I was younger I had a boyfriend- we were together for a while so I imagined the moment I finished high school we would marry and we would start a family.” she told the other excitedly, this was when life had just been about the living.

“Then Hancock died,” she nodded at the ghost who had turned silent and instead looked away- to the window to glare at people walking by. “and things changed, death changes everything around it. He died because of humans and their polluting. Those nasty fuckers can’t keep the oceans clean, and I was angry for a long time and so very sad- my boyfriend and I broke up. It wasn’t fair to him, I couldn’t love anymore- and I guess all that love has been stored in my heart to love children now.”

"Don't make fun of a man's insecurities." It was a bit of an exaggeration on his part, but Spencer could admit that the baby fat from his earlier years never really left, and his cheeks could attest to that. At the question, the reaper simply shrugged his shoulders. On his part, he supposed that he was simply someone who knew very little about crystals and cards. He liked to believe that he appreciated them to an extent because all the shiny rocks and pretty decks often caught his eye, but he simply wasn't one to put any effort into reading up on them. "I suppose I believe in them, but only to an extent."

As Merry told her tale, Spencer couldn't help but step closer to the other, slowly reaching out to clasp their hand in his in a show of comfort. The reaper wasn't sure how to display it in any other way than physical touch. "If it means anything, I genuinely think you'll be a great mother. I feel like you'll toe the line between teacher, disciplinarian, and friend really well." Smile widening, he added in an attempt to lighten the mood, "The parents online trying out gentle parenthood won't even have anything on you."

Pausing at the question, Spencer pursed his lips as he considered it. "I think I do," he said slowly, "But I also know I want to have a family with someone I love wholly." Scratching his cheek in embarrassment as a blush crept up his neck, the reaper admitted, "I'm a bit of a romantic, but I approach love with the 'you don't find love, love will find you' mindset. So I've been single for a while now."

🎸 — our muses in a band au

📸 — our muses in a celebrity au

☕  — our muses in a coffeeshop au

📚 — our muses in a college au

💥 — our muses in a darkest timeline au

⚔️ — our muses in a fantasy au

💐 — our muses in a flower store/tattoo parlor au

📝 — our muses in a high school au

🔍 — our muses in a noir au

🌟 — our muses in an urban fantasy au

🏏 — our muses in a post-apocalyptic au

👑 — our muses in a royalty au

🤖 — our muses in a science fiction au

🏺 — our muses in a soulmate au

He raised another spoonful of ice cream in his mouth but paused at the sight of the cherry on top, he quickly took a napkin and discarded the bite before taking another napkin and wiping the spoon. He could then happily take another bite of his now melting ice cream.

"How do you know that goof?" The shigofumi told horrible jokes and even the reaper could admit that he mostly laughed only because of the expectant look on the other's face every time they said a line. It was endearing as it was annoying. "Yeah, I know Jinki." In more ways than one, he'd like to add. But he wasn't sure if he was comfortable with Yongguk knowing about his sexcapades.

“Not bad Spence, tired.” she countered with a worried look at the other and squinted slightly as she studied the man. Hancock was in the corner, sitting on one of the large chairs used to give facial massages and spun it around. To anyone else it would look like the chair spun on its own but the two currently present could see the ghostly ghoul mess around.

“Oh, that is good but you shouldn’t sacrifice your health for it.” the waterspirit was set in her opinion and worried about the other man. Feeling protective about the other even if they flirted sometimes as well. A fun exchange between the two.

The question made her smile as she tilted her head slightly “It is never too early to look into Mother’s day specials Spence, you know people will pay a small fortune to look their best on their special days but no… I was looking for myself- daydreaming?” she laughed embarrassed as she picked up one of the magazines on childcare and flipped through it. Her eyes soft and sad as she looked at all the pictures and then cleared her throat.

Quite literally waving away Merry's concern with a wave of his hand, the man was quick to reassure. "It's a good kind of tired, don't worry. It's fulfilling." Chasing after his own wants was still new to the reaper, and he sometimes had to sit down just to think about how he now had a dream that he wanted to work towards. "Not everyone can be as beautiful as you in the face of adversity, Merry."

His tone was joking, but the other's words made it even clearer just how "fine" Merry could seem even with the weight of what seemed to be the world on their shoulders. "Ah." The single syllable was soft with understanding. Merry didn't even have to explicitly state her current situation for Spencer to get it. The wistful look in their eyes, as well as the magazines, very much spoke for themselves.

Once they were done, his hands rested on his thighs. He took a deep breath and looked proud about the job they'd done. "All better," he sighed out, nodding at the herbs. His smile turned into a grin at the other's changed tone, his eyes lighting up. "They can occasionally bloom white but you don't come across it all the time. I'm not sure how we did it- they've been at the clearing as long as I can remember. It's the benefit of our powers, no plant has to completely wilt away." He sometimes took his powers for granted but the wonder in the other's voice reminded just how extraordinary it was to be able to do what he did. At least for some people.

Crouching closer toward the now-fresh herbs, Spencer unconsciously let out a pleased hum as he gently carded his fingers through them, making sure that he didn't jostle the stem or pull on the leaves as he did so. "Thank you." He supposed it was the least he could say to someone who held his hand as he broke down. "Do you like your powers?" He supposed it wasn't the most normal question to ask someone since he was also aware that some people viewed gifts as burdens. And just because he was also the type to shoot his shot, he added, "Do you think they can grow well in other locations? And are you, by any chance, open to digging up one and selling it to me?"

Donning his gloves and digging through the soil using his hands rather than tools to prevent damaging the roots, Spencer perked up at the question. "I'm just taking one stem. I don't wanna take too much because it'd be rude." He wasn't aware of it, but he assumed that forests, despite technically being public property, had their own caretakers— some being races whose kind cared over the area for years, while others were simply self-appointed.

Following the other on his quest, he bit down on his lower lip, holding back the laughter that was trying to slip past his lips at the florist's words. "Damn, am I really that transparent?" he returned with a dance of playfulness in his voice; who was he to deny that Spencer was, in fact, attractive? However, the fact that it wasn't all about the other's costume he'd keep to himself. "Though at the moment, it's hard to concentrate on the shape of your ass when I'm more worried about your comfort," he added, more genuine this time as he joined in on looking left and right.

He pursed his lips as soon as he heard the florist's words, exaggerating the fact he was going to keep quiet. For two seconds at least. But his eyes still glimmered and he looked far from serious. "We'll find the witch," his voice was softer this time, more reassuring. Although he was being playful, he didn't want Spencer to feel uncomfortable in his get-up. "Or we could quickly test out if your one true love is present," he grinned again, practically dodging out of the way in case Spencer suddenly felt murderous.

Nodding at the other's reassurances, shoulders loosening just a bit, Spencer offered the other a small smile that showed just how grateful he was to the other. He wasn't in the right headspace to admit it right now, but he really did need someone to keep him from flying off the walls in panic right now, and the way that Katashi used humor as a buffer of sorts was very much appreciated.

Pausing as he considered the other's words, Spencer shrugged. There would be no harm in trying, after all. He's had the other's tongue in his mouth during the night of that neighborhood party, so a small peck wouldn't hurt anyone. Now, usually the florist would be much gentler with his actions, but desperate times call for desperate measures. So, grabbing the front of the other's clothes, the reaper pulled the other into a short kiss.

Automatically closing his eyes at the action, Spencer quickly pulled back before blinking down at himself. His first realization was that he was still in the ungodly Barbie heels, but he was now wearing his own clothes... albeit they were a lot more bimbo-fied, for a lack of better. This basically meant that his modest crew neck, white shirt was noticeably tighter and cropped, while his long black skirt was much, much shorter. God, he hoped that his ass wasn't out in this thing. He was lucky that Katashi's coat was long enough to cover what his bottoms couldn't, at least.

"I guess... it only half worked?" Trying his best to control the blush that he felt creeping up his neck at the implications, the florist turned to the direction the Katashi picked.

But oftentimes the way he was made him a listener. Perhaps not a good one but a listener nonetheless. He shot one last suspicious look towards the odd bartender before they left the bar, his impression of such places growing worse by the minute. Glancing downwards at the other, he had a blank look on his face but one could tell by his eyes that he was wondering and pondering. “If you want,” he responded to the question about a store; Alastair was hardly hungry but he’d go with what the other wanted. Feeling slightly wobbly, he rubbed over his eyes to see more clearly.

At least convenience stores were a familiar sight to him. Once they entered, he knew where to go to get the snacks he’d been told were good quick fixes for hunger; energy bars and bananas for starters. Alastair had no actual concept of what one was supposed to eat and how often, all food tasted sort of bland to him which made eating as much of a dull daily task as folding the laundry. Which he didn’t do either.

“No reason to get lonely,” he said while he picked out an energy bar he liked the texture of, “it’s best to concentrate on the task at hand and forget about everything else.” Of course, those weren’t fully his own words but he believed in them. Alastair had never been one to do much but to sit and observe, imagining a whole life for himself while hardly moving from one spot to another. Spencer’s sudden question about him made the mirrorwalker pause, his eyebrows knitting so slightly one could hardly even notice. What did he think about? Who did he think about?

Paying for both of their items, Spencer led the both of them to an empty table in the corner of the store, placing the tray the worker gave him with their items as he took his seat. "Different people have different thresholds for things," he patiently explained, organizing their things on the table before them— placing the mirrorwalker's food nearer to them and his own choices nearer to him. "I got you a burger, by the way. It doesn't taste the best, but it could help you feel a bit more normal after those drinks at the bar."

Humming as he unwrapped his own food, already wiping his fingers at the tissues given to them as he's met with the grease that chicken burgers often came with, Spencer could only nod his head as he took a small bite. "Not everyone has the same approach to things as you." He paused, before quickly back tracking. "Actually, I'm 100% sure most people don't." Chuckling, finding the speed that he took back his words funny, Spencer continued, "Loneliness is a yearning for companionship, a want to be around someone you're completely comfortable in the presence of."

Both eyebrows raised at the use of the slang term. Now Lee Know was not an old soul in the slightest, well, compared to some of the creatures that walked the Academy grounds. He was a mere century old, but even he thought it was weird to hear someone like Spencer say ‘bet’. He resisted laughing though, he had to be serious and brooding, that was his brand!

“Sure,” They said in response to getting practice arrangements before the real thing. “Ummm.. I’m Russian,” Lee Know answered as if that was a sufficient answer. Dark eyes shifted from his boss towards the flowers before he realised maybe he should elaborate.

He knew asking the other to recall it right off the bat was unfair, though, and the florist said just as much: "Now, I don't expect you to memorize all of these just yet. I'll bring resource material that you can flip through while you're at the shop so you can reference it while making pieces." Leaning closer to the other despite the table in between them, Spencer gave the other a deceptively friendly smile.