Work Text:
She came up to me, smoke swirling into solidity. Her robes were dark, but beneath them her countenance shone like the midday sun. I interrupted my work, and knew her by the scythe she carried.
A reaper of souls, Death herself.
She spoke to me, bringing news of the land whither I would go, with her.
I felt my cheeks flush, unbidden. I had worked a lifetime, gathered to myself friends, family. Wisdom and wealth had been mine, and even some happiness.
A nagging feeling of emptiness had accompanied all these worldly pursuits, but I had told myself that this was merely my own flaw.
But now, looking upon this divine figure, I felt something I hadn't experienced since I was young.
I felt desire.
Death continued to speak, as my surroundings shimmered out of existence, and I found myself in a shadowy land, next to a river. A small boat, fit for one in comfort, and two forced together, floated towards us, unmanned.
She indicated the boat, and led me to it, holding my hand to help me enter.
After I had joined her in the boat, I felt warm breath exiting her lips, flowing to my neck.
In this dark, cold land, on this dead water, from the very lungs of Death, I felt life.
She asked me if I had any requests, for this was her custom with the souls of humans.
I begged her forgive my imminent indiscretion.
She laughed, and bade me speak freely, for the pleasure of the Reaper is curiosity fulfilled.
I trembled, but made my sincere request.
I asked for a kiss, and she, surprised but not unhappy, granted my wish.
Ecstasy flowed from her lips to mine, and though it lasted but a moment, my entire being was innervated with pleasure.
Afterwards, we continued in silence along the river. Eventually, a dark city came into view, and Death told me of my fate there.
I should be a wandering shade in those streets for eternity, unfeeling, unthinking.
I heard this, but knew that it would never be so.
Though I might wander aimlessly forever, never touching another, never experiencing sensation, merely one in the thronging mass of ghosts, losing all my memories and personality, I knew one thing would remain.
The fire of Death's kiss.