#deathsnippet

~A short Death scenario~

The pale rider charges forward with his steed, currently trying to escape a crowd of low-level undead. Of course, the horseman could have easily defeated any of them, but he found them rather annoying, and at any point a crowd of them would appear, he preferred not to deal with them.

You held tightly to his middle so as not to fall off of Despair. Death would passively swing at a few with his large scythe, you helped when you could, shooting their heads with the puny gun you had from earth.

You couldn’t do much damage against most of the things Death faced, but at least you could manage to help with these pests.

It wasn’t much longer before the two of you rode through a ravine, and the undead fell behind you. You breathed a sigh of relief and slumped against Death’s back.

“Tired, are we?” Death dully asked. He looked at you over his shoulder, a playful gleam in his eye.

“After getting back from an intense mission? Yes of course I’m tired. Not all of us are magical beings, you know.” You retaliate, with a roll of your eyes.

Sensing your fatigue, and feeling as though the area was relatively safe, Death haults Despair. “I suppose it was a long day. Not for me but...”

“You just can’t rest without giving someone a hard time, can you?” You smile at him before hopping off the large horse, walking over to a crook in the ravine. The horseman chuckles at you.

“It’s habit, I suppose. You’d understand if you’d ever lived with my siblings.” He dismounts, and sends Despair to rest. “Though, I must admit, you did well today.”

You look at the horseman with wide eyes. Did he just...

“Did you just offer me a compliment?” You blink several times as to make sure you weren’t dreaming. The horseman grunts.

“Don’t let it get to your head. I am merely acknowledging a job well done. But that doesn’t mean you need to get your head in the clouds with excitement and over-confidence.”

With a laugh you nod, going to set up a little campfire. You appreciated these small breaks Death would grant you. Sometimes you felt bad, considering he as a nephilum doesn’t need rest, but you knew you’d be a better help to the horseman if you were well rested.

As you gathered your bearings, the horseman found his way to your side. He sat in thought, reminiscing over the latest trip the two of you had done.

He recalled your surprising bravery throughout the last few weeks...you had adapted well to each situation. Sure there were moments where you could improve, after all you’re only human.

Still...Death found your adaptability impressive. It baffled him to admit it, but he really enjoyed your companionship.

You fought diligently for a human, and you never gave up. Never. And perhaps one of the most surprising things about you to Death was how kind you were. Here you are, a human. You’ve lost your family, you know nothing about the worlds Death visits, you don’t really know anything about the horseman other than what Death tells you...And yet you still offer to help at every turn.

A sense of pride swelled the horseman’s chest as he pondered your growth. He would never admit it to anyone, and at times probably didn’t realize it himself...but you had crept your way into his stone cold heart. Your recent presence in his life had changed things that had never been altered before, and he found himself feeling happier.

“Um...Death?”

Your voice interrupts his thoughts. “Hm?” He grunts in reply.

“Why are you staring at me? I didn’t do anything wrong, did I ?” You look back at the horseman, watching his gaze. He had been watching you for quite some time, though you noticed, his gaze wasn’t as piercing or serious as usual...it seemed...calm. Peaceful.

The pale rider hums again in response,”I hadn’t noticed... no. You’ve done nothing wrong. I’m simply lost in my thoughts.” Death looks away, as you sit back down at the fire.

“Well,”you chime,”that’s good to know. Hey though, while you’re in deep thought, I wouldn’t mind hearing another compliment?” You smirk, looking over at him.

Death offers a chuckle and a shake of his head,”Don’t push your luck, (Y/N). If it’s a compliment you want, you’d better work on your campfire building skills first.” He points to it,”This little thing is practically useless.”

“HEY!!” You groan, punching his shoulder,”I worked hard on that you know!!”

The horseman throws his head back in laughter, his voice deep, but playful. It was something you’d never heard before, Death was always so...grim. The sound of his laughter brought a smile to your face.

“I only jest,” Death looks at you,”Of course what does need work is your aim...”

“DEATH!!!” You cross your arms and pout. He horseman chuckles and stands.

“I’ll start the watch for enemies. You get some rest, small one.”

With a shake of your head, you lie down and close your eyes. A few moments pass and you call out,

“Goodnight, Death.”

As the horseman is walking away, he pauses, taking a glance back at you.

“Yes...Goodnight.”

He walks off in the distance, beginning his watch.