The reaper couldnβt help but think there was something between him and Tilian, though every chance theyβd been together, it was almost like theyβd danced around the subject, never really bringing it up. At least, Kael never did. His feelings were too far behind to ever catch up to societal standards, let alone be appropriate for them. So heβd kept his mouth shut and for what? A missed opportunity?
They hadnβt seen each other in months, but he could feel his presence wherever he went - because even though his mind was focused on his job, Tilian never left his mind. Every time he possessed another soul, trapping it inside his scythe to release into the river of darkness to start overβ¦he could almost hear his voice in his mind. It haunted him, like a goddamn record playing in his head. Not broken, just playing like a phantom had flipped it on and disappeared.
It was driving him mad, to the point that he almost sought Tilian out himself, but as per usual, he had a soul to reap, under the pressure of Death himself. His presence was felt, caught between life and death in the shadows. That was where most tended to see themselves; a shadow, hidden out of sight where not many could see who they truly were. As Kael could attest to, and fortunately, he was discovered. No one could hide there for very long.
The soul, blue in color, eased itself gently into his scythe. Turning around to face the voice that had spoken to him, his heart beat rapidly as his eyes locked with the others. Though he heard the hurt in his tone, and it killed him inside. Waving his hand, the scythe disappeared, and he pulled off his cloak to reveal himself. Scars covered his face, and hands. His legs were covered, but more bloodied and bruised up than what anyone else could see. It was a miracle he could still walk.
For a moment, Kaelβs eyes flashed that same yellow, signaling to him that he knew that pain. But his facial expression, solemn, didnβt change. If Kael was even happy to see him, didnβt show, though he was dying on the inside. βIβve known you were thereβ¦β The reaper spoke softly, his own hurt betrayed in his tone.
He didnβt know how to tell him that he loved him - all he knew was how pain felt. Deep down, he knew it, he just couldnβt portray himself properly. βIβm sorryβ¦I couldnβt stay, knowing how much this would hurt. But the truth is, I do love you. It killed me, being away from you.β