#sorry quick

I…kinda had this planned before things happened.  Slightly regretting this plotline now but determined to see it through.  I’m apologizing in advance.  I hate myself a little.

(…yeah I’m…forgive me if I don’t proof/edit this one, guys.  I couldn’t finish it without breaking down and I can’t read through it.)

For @lovebugs-and-snakecharmers October Minific Challenge 2023.

Read on Ao3

To Feel Alive Again: Ch28: Rotting

Bach snapping at Marinette was just the beginning.  Or, maybe, it was the continuation.

Because Luka loved Bach, but he couldn’t deny that something had been off with the dog ever since his owner had passed.  Ever since he was supposed to pass.

The little shit – the kid that was supposed to reap Bach, that Luka had technically stolen him from – had warned him.  You know what happens if I don’t.  And Luka did, but…Luka had chosen to ignore him anyway.  Because it had been a bad day.  Because he was sick of losing.  Because, just once, Luka wanted to choose life instead of the constant death that surrounded his undead existence.  Because Bach was special, and if anyone could defy the odds or fate or Death or whatever you wanted to call it…

But Bach was the gentlest soul Luka had ever met.

Bach never snapped at anyone – even when he’d been a young pup who couldn’t hear and should have snapped at things he felt threatened by.

Luka knew what it meant.

Luka didn’t like it.

Luka didn’t want it.

But Luka was powerless to stop it.

“I tried to warn you,” the brat said.  Luka kept his eyes on the fluffy head on his lap, his mouth twisting as he continued to run his hand along Bach’s fur.  He’d almost look like he was sleeping, if you didn’t know any better.

But Luka was a reaper.

Luka always knew better.

“…just take him and go, you asshole,” he said gruffly.  The kid walked over and bent down, scratching by Bach’s hind legs.  The dog gave a shiver, and then he slumped against Luka.

It was too easy to pretend Bach was fine.

Luka was so sick of pretending.

He heard a great woof, and he looked up to find Bach’s spirit standing with his back to him, his tail wagging as, across the cemetery, shimmering lights appeared.  If Luka squinted just right, he could almost pretend he could see Quick waiting on the other side.