The Things Autumn Leaves Behind (Patreon)

A request for CallieQ, who asked for some cuteness between Death and Ha-yun from my original work "Match.God". I'm terribly sorry it took so long for me to fulfill your request. I hope you enjoy it nonetheless. Our next month's winner is Loor! Please let me know what you'd like for me to write!

The house was quiet, though that wasn’t unusual. Hannah leaned back in her chair, feeling her back pop with the motion. She’d been working since early that morning, only stopping when Ms. Allegri brought her up a simple breakfast around 7 am. Hannah had noticed that she’d been getting up earlier recently, usually just after sunrise. Sometimes she spent the time doing a little bit of nothing -- sitting on the porch swing with a cup of tea listening to morning birds, or perhaps taking a stroll into town if she was feeling particularly energetic -- but most times she found herself working, either on commissions or freelance work. She’d been thinking about starting a print business like she’d seen on youtube. Maybe selling art books. She hadn’t voiced these desires to anyone yet, though she was certain she’d get nothing but encouragement.

Still, she didn’t want to go out and buy all that equipment yet. Not when she hadn’t steeled herself for such a commitment. She didn’t even know where to begin when it came to making prints or anything like that. She had plenty of sketches waiting to be finished, but none of them felt like something anyone would buy.

Besides, she still wasn’t sure how much longer she’d be in Death’s domain. She had another two or three months at this point. Best not to overburden herself with things she’d have to move.

She sighed, deciding now would be a good time to take a break. It wasn’t quite lunch time, but she felt peckish. Perhaps Ms. Allegri had some spare pastries she could snack on to tide her over.

Hannah left her room, only to stop when she found Death at the bottom of the stairs.

“Ah...good morning, Ha-yun,” he said, looking almost embarrassed at being caught.

“Morning,” Hannah greeted in return.

Death shifted slightly, the smoky wisps that trailed off his hair curling about him as he did. “I...wished to know if perhaps you could join me in the garden.”

“The garden or The Garden?” Hannah asked.

“The mortal garden, I assure you,” Death insisted. “The weather is pleasant, and Ms. Allegri has informed me you have not left your room since before sun up.”

Hannah nervously scratched at her arm. It was true, she hadn’t. Ms. Allegri had brought her breakfast and picked up the plate a short while later. And with the ensuite bathroom, Hannah really had no reason to leave her room if she didn’t really want to.

“Uh, sure,” she finally agreed. “I needed a break anyway.”

Death’s expression softened, though he didn’t quite smile. He waited for Hannah to descend the stairs, holding out his hand for hers as she approached the bottom. She took it, taking a moment to note the cool, smooth, almost marble like texture of Death’s skin. She wondered if the other Deities felt the same way, but felt like that wasn’t something she should really ask.

Death led her out the back door and into the large, open yard that made up his garden. The trees were just starting to turn colors, vibrant reds mixed with bright yellows and brilliant oranges that created a stark contrast with the pale blue sky.

They continued to walk deeper into Death’s domain, and Hannah was starting to wonder if he was leading her somewhere.

Her suspicions turned out to be true, when they came across a large gingham blanket spread out under a tree, red-orange leaves casting just the right amount of shade over the scene. A wicker basket sat invitingly in the middle of the blanket, just begging to be opened.

“What’s this?” Hannah asked.

“Ms. Allegri called it a picnic,” Death explained, stepping onto the blanket. He paused, watching as Hannah toed out of her shoes to join him. “She said it...how did she put it? She said it would ‘do you well to eat good food in fresh air.’ Or something like that.”

Hannah couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, I was starting to get a little hungry…”

She settled down next to Death, who opened the basket to reveal what looked like a freshly baked apple tart, likely made using apples that she and Death had picked themselves earlier that very week. Tea was provided in a clear pitcher, along with cups and plates that Hannah wasn’t sure she’d seen before.

“Ms. Allegri really is too much,” Hannah murmured, watching as Death cut her a slice of tart.

“She certainly does everything wholeheartedly, doesn’t she?” Death agreed, passing her the tart slice on the delicate looking china Ms. Allegri had packed for them.

Hannah took the offered treat, holding it in her lap for a long moment, simply staring at it. “We should do something to thank her.”

“I’m sure even if we did, she would not accept it,” Death said, pouring himself a cup of tea. “She seems to be the type of woman who believes no thanks is necessary.”

“You’re probably right,” Hannah said, breaking off a bite of tart with her fork.

Death watched her for a moment, recognizing her disappointment. “I’m sure Ms. Allegri would be pleased you even thought to thank her.”

That made Hannah smile a little, finally taking a bite of tart. The crust melted in her mouth, leaving the crisp taste of the apples and the sweetness of cinnamon and brown sugar behind. Everything Ms. Allegri made was the best thing Hannah had ever eaten, and this was no exception.

“It’s good,” she murmured, taking another bite. She turned to Death, who watched her with a look of contentment on his face. “Would you like to try it? I know you don’t really eat food, but…”

“If you are offering, I will try it,” Death said gently.

Hannah nodded, reaching for another fork in the basket. Using the new fork, she broke a piece of tart off for Death, holding the fork out for him. She felt her cheeks heat up in the crisp autumn breeze as Death leaned forward, tucking some of his hair behind his ear, and instead of taking the fork in his hand, took the bite of tart into his mouth.

“Ah,” he said after a moment. “It is good.”

Hannah felt too flustered to correct him on his behavior, instead quickly turning to grab him a plate of his own. “Ms. Allegri really does make the best food if you think it tastes good.”

“Indeed.”