Walter’s house was huge. So much so, that some might call the Victorian building a mansion. Take into account giant front and back yards in comparison to the rest of the suburbs… Bottom line, the place was freaking humongous. Much too large for one person to effectively patrol and secure.

Which brings me to my next point...

“What do you mean, you’re leaving?!” I exploded. Containing myself had not been an option when Walter broke the news to me.

“Barclay, please, use your inside voice.” Walter groaned, rubbing at his forehead. “I don’t like this either, but it has to be done.”

“‘It has to be done’? If your boss can send over one measly reaper to babysit me, why can’t he have him, I don’t know, do his job while you stay home and protect me?!”

“Excuse me? I’m right here. I can hear every word you’re saying.” The other reaper said from where he stood, leaning against the wall in the corner of the kitchen.

He was young, from what I could see. Recently turned, too. He couldn’t have been much older than 30, and he was very handsome. Like, Chris Hemsworth handsome. Beautiful hair, square jaw, neatly trimmed beard and built like a brick house, umph. Any other day, I’d want a piece of him. But not right now, because right now, I was busy being fucking pissed and ignoring the new guy in favor of shouting at my dad.

“Walter, you can’t be serious.” I pleaded to him, trying to stay sympathetic as I raised my voice. A frown making deep wrinkles on my forehead as my vision blurred with tears. Oh yeah, I was going there. Emotional manipulation. My eyes’ demonic powers might have had no effect on Walter, nor any other immortal, but my doe eye game was still strong, and I'll be damned if I didn't use them.

Walter sighed and pulled me into a hug, the second time in as many days. “I’m sorry, but I do have a job to do. Kieran here hasn’t had a district appointed to him yet, so he has all the time in the world to ‘hang out’ with you.”

I sighed as I leaned against his shoulder. How could I stay mad at him if he kept pushing past his comfort zone to console me? Oh boy. There came the waterworks. I sobbed. “That’s just it, Walter…” I mumbled, tightly gripping the back of his waistcoat.

“I don’t want someone to hang out with me. I just want to know that I’m safe. And I know that I’m safe when I’m with you.”

“Okay, so, uh, I guess it’s clear that you don’t want me here so I guess I’ll just leave now.” Kieran said, obviously less than comfortable with his situation, judging by his tone. He turned on his heel and made his way out of there, but not before Walter could grab him by the collar of his jacket.

“I’m sorry, but you’re going to have to stay. I need you here, and I’m sure Barclay will warm up to you soon. He’s just a little grumpy right now.” Walter said.

I could feel his breath vibrating the hairs on my head. It tickled. I smiled. You know, maybe it wouldn't be as bad as I made it out to be in the moment. Maybe this Kieran guy was as capable as Walter. Charles wouldn't have turned him otherwise, would he? And it might actually be fun to talk to someone roughly at my own level of maturity outside of the context of me trying to coax tips out of my peers at the club, right?

Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.

Slowly, I released the silk back of Walter's waistcoat as I took my distance from him. I smiled as I saw him relax, finally.

"You're right. I may have overreacted a little." I admitted, mumbling as I nervously twiddled with the sleeves of my striped shirt. "And I'm sorry I was so quick to judge you, Kieran. I swear, I'm not usually like that."

"It's okay, I get it." The young reaper spoke. "Family is important to you, and you're under a lot of pressure. It's perfectly understandable. Good to know you're not a complete brat, though."

"Real charming, buddy." I retorted, rubbing the remnants of a tear out of my eye. I shot him a glare, but it was all in good spirits.

"Thanks, I try."

"Alright, Barclay, promise me to play nice with Kieran, and call me if there's an emergency, okay?"

"Cross my heart."

"And Kieran, you make sure there's no emergency for Barclay to call me about in the first place. Understood?"

"Aye aye, captain."

"But Walter, who are you gonna call?"

"What? I don't… Why should I have to call any--"

"GHOSTBUSTERS!" Kieran cut in, expertly stealing my thunder. “I’m sorry about that. I got excited for a second.” He mumbled, clearing his throat as he tried to regain his composure.

Did he really think I was ever going to be able to unsee what just happened here? You don’t just forget about a tall, Chris Hemsworth looking dude in a three-piece, all-black suit, excitedly yelling ‘Ghostbusters’ like an excited six year old. You just don’t.

"I regret this already." Walt mumbled, rolling his eyes. "I'll be back by four, so please behave." He said as he opened the door to the hallway. "Until then Barclay."

"See ya, dad." I smiled sadly, waving at him as he disappeared behind the door.

And then, there were two.

***

Continued in part 2