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that question is bit of a taboo among us, since about half of us come to work for Death
after committing suicide on a whim. I am one of those.
Falling Out of Fate 55
What? Why? Patrick s head popped up, eyes wide. He bit his lip for a moment
before looking away, embarrassed. Right. Taboo. Sorry.
I was a slave, Kyon said, as detached as he could make himself. I got sick of it.
Slavery? Wait, how old are you?
Slavery is not uncommon, not even today. I am rather happy that it isn t as
widespread as it once was, however. As for my age, have you not been paying attention
to the contracts and my tattoos? I was a slave to the Athenians when they built the
Parthenon. I cut and moved the marble. He still refused all assignments that occurred
in Athens. The whole city could burn to the ground for all he cared.
I don t think I could have stayed in slavery either, Patrick said. Was it the right
choice?
I ve never regretted it. Working with Death might not allow me unlimited
freedom in the same way the afterlife could, but it certainly gives me a lot more than I
had in life. It lets me feel like I m a part of something big. I like knowing that I m
essential.
Perhaps I ll like it too, then, Patrick said softly. I like helping people. It s why I
became a paramedic. I see a lot of death, though I m usually in a position to try and do
something about it. Not being able to save someone is going to be a bit of a blow to my
ego.
Matching souls with their eternities is fairly satisfying, in its own way, Kyon
said with a smile. Weren t you planning on working in a bookstore?
I can t believe you remembered that.
I knew a lot of things about you. It kind of happens when half my job is watching
someone. We usually try to forget when the job is done, but I couldn t. No matter how
hard I tried.
Patrick wrapped his body around Kyon and buried his nose in Kyon s armpit. His
words came out muffled, but Kyon could feel them resonate.
56 Madeleine Ribbon
The EMTs who got to me the night my parents died, they made an impression,
he said. The bookstore would have been wonderful, but once I realized I didn t need to
hide for the rest of my life, I decided to make a difference. No retail jobs, no theoretical
studies, no liberal arts. I wanted to save people like me so they could have the second
chance I got, and I wanted to do it without hiding who I was. That was hard, finding an
employer who didn t flinch at the fact that I m openly gay, but I did it. I ve been on this
ambulance crew for four years, and next week I start a new job in Alaska. It came with a
great pay raise, and I ve always kind of wanted to live in the wild country.
Kyon didn t dare ask for details. He knew he had to let Patrick keep living without
him, and if he didn t know details, hunting the man down would be just that much
trickier.
You re making the most of your life. I m glad, Kyon said, and he meant it.
They lay there, Kyon relishing the warmth of his lover for a few more minutes
before Patrick pushed his way off the bed with a heavy sigh.
I need to go back down. They ll look for me sooner or later.
Kyon just watched, sated yet sorrowful, as Patrick wiped himself off with his
undershirt, collected the rest of his clothes, and straightened up in record time. The
beautiful man turned to Kyon, still naked and covered in the remnants of frantic
lovemaking. Patrick took his time examining the tableau, but his eyes were sad.
Take care of yourself, Kyon.
You too, Patrick. I don t need a partner for a few more years yet. He was lying
and he knew it.
When it happens, I ll look forward to working with you. Patrick grinned. For
the record, I m topping the next time we see each other. Pencil it in.
Kyon just nodded, because he knew if he opened his mouth to speak, he might say
something stupid. Something like stay, or kiss me, or I need you. As the door clicked shut
behind Patrick s lithe figure, Kyon knew he was as lost as a sunken ship. A couple
hours in a bed with his polos almost entirely rejuvenated his old soul. Watching Patrick
Falling Out of Fate 57
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