Chapter 54
Edward had taken his own life, terrified of his secrets being exposed and the prospect of spending his remaining days in prison, drowned in humiliation. But Drogen made sure Edward didn't escape the consequences entirely. The one person Edward wanted to escape from ended up being the last face he saw. Drogen had tortured every last shred of his existence while ripping his soul apart before sending it to the underworld.
Natasha listened intently as Drogen recounted the details. Part of her felt relief—the threat was finally gone—but another part couldn't shake an unsettling dread. She had a nagging feeling that this wasn't over, that something even more dangerous was just around the corner.
As the car engine roared to life, Drogen was about to pull out of the parking lot when a figure approached the vehicle. He paused, narrowing his eyes. Natasha frowned, peering out the window.
"Who's that?" she asked, confused.
Drogen rolled down his window as the man came closer and knocked. The stranger leaned in, his face calm but his eyes sharp.
"I'm coming with you," the man announced confidently.
"So you want to roam the human world on your day off?" Drogen raised an eyebrow, unimpressed
Natasha looked obviously confused. "Drogen, who's that?" She asked, genuinely curious.
"It's Bruce" Drogen replied.
Natasha nearly choked on the water she was sipping. "No way! That's not Bruce!"she retorted, not willing to believe and Drogen grinned from how shocked she acted.
"Grim reapers can possess the bodies of humans anything they want, the only reason they don't like doing it is because they also inhibit the human's memories and personalities. Which is really exhausting to deal with. I wonder....what Bruce is up to" Drogen dragged, casting him a side eye.
"But how did you recognize him, I didn't sense any spirit energy from him" she asked, intrigued.
"The necklace on his neck is unmistakenly his, He never takes it off." Drogen explained and she nodded in understanding
Before Natasha could question further, Bruce opened the back door and slid into the seat, making himself comfortable.
"Okay, spill it. What are you doing here?" Drogen asked, clearly annoyed.
Bruce leaned back smugly. "I'm tagging along. Wherever you're going, I'm going too."
"This is a date, Bruce," Drogen snapped. "Not some grim reaper field trip. Get out of the car before I throw you out myself."
Natasha glanced between them, unsure whether to laugh or stay serious. Why did Drogen seem so irritated? Was he upset that Bruce might interrupt their time together?
Bruce, unfazed, put on his best innocent look. "Relax. Drake sent me to keep an eye on you—make sure you don't lose it and kill anyone else." He lied. He planned to follow them, hoping to disrupt any chance of them growing closer. If he could limit the time Drogen spent alone with Natasha, maybe it would stop Drogen from falling for her even more.
Drogen shot him a glare so sharp it could cut steel. "You think you can stop me if I want to kill someone?"
Bruce smirked, clearly enjoying how annoyed Drogen was. Natasha decided to step in before things got out of hand. She placed a hand on Drogen's arm, her touch gentle.
"It's fine, Drogen," she said softly. "He can come."
Drogen's expression softened instantly. Natasha had an effect on him that even he didn't fully understand.
Bruce, noticing Drogen's sudden change in demeanor, grinned. "Yeah, see? She said it's fine. Let me come, please." He added a ridiculous pout for good measure.
Drogen sighed , pinching his nose bridge. "Don't make that face. It's creepy coming from a face I don't recognize. Do it again, and I'll throw you out of that body."
Bruce chuckled, and Drogen started the car. The trio was soon on their way.
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The drive to the arcade didn't take long, but the atmosphere in the car was anything but dull, the new personality of Bruce seemed lively, constantly making teasing remarks and Drogen threatening to throw him out, their little bickering had her giggling through the ride. Natasha had specifically worn joggers and sneakers for the occasion, determined to have fun. As soon as they arrived, she hopped out of the car, a bright smile lighting up her face as she darted inside.
Drogen watched her through the window, his lips quirking into a faint smile.
"Stop smiling like a lovesick fool and let's go," Bruce teased, snapping Drogen out of his daze.
Drogen frowned, his irritation returning. "Enjoy this while you can. I'll make sure to repay you once you're out of that body."
Bruce only laughed as they both got out and followed Natasha inside. The arcade was buzzing with activity, the sounds of laughter and machines filling the air. Drogen headed to the cashier to buy their entry tickets, handing them out once they were allowed inside.
Natasha's eyes widened with excitement as she looked around. She suddenly grabbed Drogen's hand, dragging him toward the dance game area.
"I've always wanted to try this! Let's do it!" she said, practically bouncing with enthusiasm.
Drogen stopped in his tracks, shaking his head. "No way."
"Why not?" she asked, tilting her head.
"Because…" He gestured to the nearby players who were busting out over-the-top dance moves. "You expect me to dance like that? In public?"
"Of course! What's wrong with that?" Natasha asked, feigning innocence.
Bruce strolled up, smirking. "It's because Mr. Grim Reaper here thinks dancing will ruin his oh-so-perfect cold image."
"Shut it, Bruce," Drogen snapped, glaring.
Bruce ignored him, turning to Natasha with a dramatic bow. "If Drogen's doesn't want to, how about I dance with you, Natasha?"
Natasha's eyes widened as she looked at Bruce, did he just call her by her name? Creepy. Bruce always called her 'human' when he was in his normal State, but now that his personality was completely different, he seemed nice.
Natasha almost accepted Bruce's hand for the dance, but just then, Drogen's foot connected with his backside, sending him falling to the floor.
"I'll do it," Drogen said abruptly.
Natasha and Bruce both stared at him, stunned.