Unnamed Reaper

An Unnamed Reaper is a side character sent after the soul of the player's neighbour. The player can listen to the story unfold by eavesdropping each day before entering the chatroom.
== Story ==
=== Day 1 - AM===
On the first day Grim Reaper visits the neighbor with the intention of returning a misdelivered package. Neighbor thankful offers a coffee as a way of paying back, but on the way back Reaper trips over a plant pot breaking it. As a way of compensation Reaper offers to pay for coffee and clean the mess.
Transcript 06/11/20XX
The door leads out to the hallway beyond. 
Your apartment is on the fifth floor of a downtown apartment building. 
There's nowhere you want to go at the moment, but you overhear some talking on the other side in the hall beyond. 
You don't know your neighbors very well yet. Perhaps now is a good time to learn more about them?
Option 1: Eavesdrop... just a little bit. | Option 2: Leave the door alone.
You put your ear to the door, straining through the wood to hear the words being spoken beyond.
You hear the sound of someone knocking, then a door opening.
 'Sorry to disturb you-I just moved in down the hall, and I had a package meant for you delivered to my apartment.' A deep, rich voice floats through the door.
 'Oh my gosh-I thought the package got lost! I really can't thank you enough.' The other voice responds, light and somewhat airy.
 'Well, it gave me a chance to introduce myself to you, so I'd call it good luck on my part. Here, all yours.'
 'Thanks again... um...' The voice trails off.
 'Oh! My apologies, my name is-' The voice is muffled for a moment as the elevator dings, and you miss the next few words. '-your humble servant.'
The second voice laughs. 'I feel like I owe you something for having to bring that heavy box all the way over here.'
 'I would hardly call one flight of stairs 'all the way over', but I wouldn't turn down a coffee?' The deeper voice replies.
 'Oh! How about... tomorrow?'
 'It's a date. I mean, not really, but... see you tomorrow.'
 'See you!'
You hear the door close and the sound of footsteps walking away from the door, and then silence.
...Before you hear the sound of pottery falling then shattering onto the ground.
The door opens again.
The deep voice speaks first 'I, uh... didn't see your plant there. Coffee's on me?'
You hear the second voice giggle, then speak. 'It's alright, I've been meaning to get a new pot for ages.'
 'Let me at least help cleaning it up.'
 'It's really no trouble-'
 'I insist. I was the clumsy one.'
 '...Alright. Let me get the broom.'
 The voices become muffled, then silent. That seems to be all the information you'll get for the day.
If the player clicks the door again:
You listen at the door again: but all is quiet now.
Perhaps you'll overhear more tomorrow?
===Day 1 - PM===
On the night of the first day Neighbor relates the date to mother. It went surprisingly well as if they have known each other since birth. The only downfall was Neighbor spilling coffee on the Reaper but it was quickly forgiven as if nothing happened.  
Transcript 06/11/20XX
The door leads out to the hallway beyond.
You're somewhat tired from your work today, so you don't feel like going anywhere at the moment.
Just as you're about to turn away from the door, you hear a voice on the other side, speaking quietly.
Is now a good time to eavesdrop a little more?
Option 1: Eavesdrop on them. | Option 2: Leave the door alone.
You hear a voice that's light and airy through the wooden door. They seem to be speaking over the phone with someone.
 'Sorry for calling back so late. I was actually on a... well, I suppose it was a date?'
There is a short silence and the speaker's voice lowers in volume.
 'It was amazing. It's crazy the amount of chemistry we have, it was like meeting an old friend again. There's something so familiar about them.'
 'It's a nice feeling.'
You hear the person let out a loud sigh.
 'But then I went and spilled my coffee all over their shirt... I'm so embarrassed, I don't know if I can look them in the eyes again...'
There's a pause for a moment before the person speaks again.
 'No, they were really nice about it. Just smiled at me and said it was fine...'
 'My favorite part about the date? Well...'
 'I thought I was rambling on too much, but they just watched me with a smile and encouraged me to keep talking. It felt so natural, like we've known each other forever.' 
You hear a door open as your neighbor goes to retreat into their apartment.
 'It was lovely... though I couldn't help but feel this strange, wistful melancholy from them every now and then.'
 'No, no, I'm not exactly sure why. They just had this distant look in their eyes every now and then. It's hard to explain.'
 'Anyway, I need to go cook dinner-I'll call you tomorrow, mom!'
You hear a door shut, and then there's silence.
If the player clicks the door again:
The hallway beyond is silent.
You'll have to wait until tomorrow to hear more about the budding couple.
=== Day 2 - AM===
On the second day Grim Reaper answers the phone call and admits to renting an apartment in the building even though it's not necessary for the job. Reaper also begs for more time and we also learn that this job was supposed to be a punishment, the call is then disconnected. Reaper knocks on the door and is welcomed by Neighbor who just baked some cookies.
Transcript 07/11/20XX
The door leads out to the hallway beyond.
Luckily, you bought groceries on the way home from work, so you don't really have anywhere to go at this time of day.
However, perhaps now is a good chance to hear more from your mysterious neighbors...
Option 1: Eveasdrop on them. | Option 2: Leave the door alone.
You hear the creak of someone ascending the staircase in the hall outside of your apartment.
You put your ear to the door, straining to hear more, when the sound of someone's phone ringing echoes through the hall.
A deeper voice answers.
 'Hello?'
There's a pause as, you assume, the person on the other end of the line replies.
 'I'm... working on it. Yes, I'm here. I rented an apartment.'
 'I know it's not necessary, but... let me just do thing the way I want to do them, okay?'
There's an even longer pause. The deep voice lowers in reply.
 'Let me just have this. Please. I know this is meant to be a punishment, but give me a little longer.
 'Let me just pretend for a little longer.'
You hear a sigh as the footsteps begin again. One of the two people on that call hung up, and you think it was probably the other person.
You then hear a knock. It almost makes you jump, but it's next door.
A voice both light and airy calls out. It reminds you a little of a warm summer breeze.
 'You're early!'
The deeper voice - like a cool winter night - responds.
 'What can I say? I can't stay away. I mean, I might have ulterior motives... you did say you were baking today, right?'
The light voice laughs.
 'So you're just after my cookies!'
 'You've caught me. Sorry.'
 'Come in. We can eat some before we go. Luckily I saved you a couple, huh?'
The voices then become muffled as a door closes.
That seems to be all you'll hear for today.
If the player clicks the door again:
The hallway beyond is silent.
You'll have to wait until tomorrow to hear more about the two mysterious neighbors.
===Day 3 - PM===
On the night of the third day Player opens the window from there is possible to hear Reaper and Neighbor conversacion about stars and fate. The Reaper remarks that this meeting was fate but it will end in pain, Neighbor then answers that there might be another option.
Transcript 08/11/20XX
You put your ear to the door, listening closely.
You can hear something, but it seems muffled. You wonder if you'll be able to hear better from your window.
Option 1: Eavesdrop on them. | Option 2: Leave them alone.
You push open your window. A cool, night time breeze blows inside.
It feels nice.
You look up at the stars above and think for a moment that being alive truly is worth it.
Then you hear two voices from next door - one light and airy, and another deep and calm.
Just like you, they seem to be watching the stars. You can't help but feel that under such a big sky, happening to be alive at the same time as people you care about is very special.
The light voice speaks first.
 'Isn't it just beautiful? That's why I decided to rent this apartment. The view is amazing during the day, but nothing beats the night sky.'
 'You are... it is very beautiful.' the deeper voice answers, sounding somewhat absent minded.
 'You've always loved the stars, haven't you? the deep voice continue. 'Forever and ever, right?'
The lighter voice pauses for a moment, '...Actually, yes. As long as I can remember.'
 'I thought so.'
 'How could you guess?'
 'To be honest, I'm a little embarrassed to say it...'
 'I feel like I see the universe in your eyes. Sorry, it sounds a little corny...'
The two voices go quiet for a moment, and you feel like these two people you've never met before are too busy looking into each other's eyes to say anything.
The deeper voice finally pipes up again.
 'Do you believe in fate?'
The lighter voice answers, but seems much... smaller than usual.
 'I'm... not sure.'
 'I feel like you are someone I was always meant to meet.'
 'But, I...' the voice, cool like the night sky above, cuts off.
 '...I don't want to hurt you, and I'm afraid that the same fate that made us meet in the first place will make me cause you pain.'
 'Half of me wants to stay anyway, and the other half knows how selfish that sounds.'
 'Can't there be a third option?' the light voice adds on, barely a whisper.
A sigh escapes into the night air.
 'I wish there was.'
 'It's getting late. I had better head off.'
The voices slowly fade, and soon enough you hear your neighbor's door open then close.
That seems to be everything you'll hear for the night.
But it did get you thinking. About fate, and chance meetings, and the budding feelings within your chest.
If the player clicks the door again:
The apartment and hallway beyond is silent.
You'll have to wait until tomorrow to hear more about your peculiar neighbors.
===Day 4 - PM ===
On the night of the fourth day Reaper knocks on the Neighbor door but there is no answer, Reaper then apologizes for not answering text and keeping some things hidden but as a compensation Reaper will tell the Neighbor everything.  
Transcript 09/11/20XX
You hear footsteps from the hallway. You wonder if it's your neighbors again?
Option 1: Eveasdrop on them. | Option 2: Leave them alone.
Putting your ear to the door, you hear a knock at the apartment next to yours.
There's a pause... ten seconds go by, then thirty, then it's been a minute before you even realize it.
No one answers the door.
You hear a sigh in the hallway beyond.
 'Are you in there?' a deep voice starts, but it's much quieter than usual.
 'Sorry. For taking off like that last night.'
 'And for... not answering your texts.'
That voice, which you've come to know as calm and composed, sounds strained. Vulnerable.
 'I didn't mean to worry you,' the voice continue, 'but I needed some time alone. Something's been on my mind, and I didn't want to burden you with it.'
 'I've never been very good at talking to you about things. Not that you'd know that...'
The hallway falls silent for a moment, broken only by the sound of distant traffic.
 'I've been keeping something from you. Something I didn't want to share... but that's never gone well for either of us.'
 'So... I know you don't want to talk right now, but... you can come find me, and I'll tell you everything.'
 'When you're ready, and only if you want to.'
Silence again. You keep listening quietly, but that door never opens.
And then the same voice rises for the final time.
 'I really want to change. I really want to... get things right, just this once.'
Footsteps. They're slow and heavy. You can almost feel the weight of their emotions in each step.
And then all is quiet.
If the player clicks the door again:
The hallway beyond is silent.
You hope the two will work things out... and that you'll be able to listen in tomorrow.
=== Day 5 - AM===
On the fifth day Neighbor has lost the keys to the apartment, worried and saddened by this and Reapers confession Neighbor calls their mum rumbling about the current situation and helplessness.
Transcript 10/11/20XX
You hear footsteps from the hallway. You wonder if it's your neighbors again?
Option 1: Eavesdrop on them. | Option 2: Leave them alone.
You hear a sniffling coming from the hallway, then the sound of someone sliding down to the floor.
You imagine someone is currently leaning against the doorway of their apartment.
You hear a fumbling - the sound of someone digging through their bag, searching for something.
Then a sigh.
A ringing. The sound of someone who desperately seeks another.
And then, finally, a voice.
 'Mom, are you there? Can you talk right now?' a light and airy voice starts.
 'No, I'm fine. No, I wasn't crying...'
 'I just wanted to talk for a bit. If that's okay.'
Another sniffle.
 'Nothing happened, really. I'm just confused. And I lost my keys, but I'll worry about that in a minute...'
There's silence for a minute. You imagine their mother is currently fretting, trying to console their child despite not knowing what's wrong.
 'Have you ever liked someone so much that it's made you terrified?'
 'I really like them, mom. I've only known them for like a week, but I feel like it's been so much longer...'
 'And I'm scared.'
There's vulnerability in that voice. Immense vulnerability. 
Their voice is like a plea to something they cannot see.
Like a wish upon a star.
 'I want to understand them. I want to make things work. But I'm scared I will make things worse.'
 'I'm scared that neither of us are what we expect of each other.'
The fear of not living up to expectations, the fear of misunderstandings. Such human emotions.
 'I know, Mom. I know I should talk to them, but it's so much. It's like there's this weight, this secret between us, and I don't know how to bridge the gap.'
 'I think I heard them say something last night, something important. But they didn't open up completely, and now I'm torn between wanting to know and being afraid of what I might discover.'
An internal struggle. A deep desire.
 'But, Mom, I can't stay away. I've never believed in fate, but this is... I just... I need some guidance. What do I do do?'
Silence again.
You imagine their mother is speaking words of wisdom, filled with kindness, love and worry.
 '...Okay. I'll go talk to them tomorrow and make a decision.' 
 'Thank you, Mom. I love you.'
The sound of the call ending reached you even beyond the hallway, and then there's silence. 
You hope they find their keys.
If the player clicks the door again:
The hallway beyond is silent now.
You hope tomorrow will bring resolution.
=== Day 5 - PM ===
Transcript 10/11/20XX
The hallway beyond is silent. 
You wonder what's happened with your neighbors, but you're too tired to really care...
=== Day 6 - AM ===
On the last day all is revealed, originally Grim Reaper has refused to take Neighbor soul and as a punishment Reaper was forced to take it in all of the other timelines. Reaper then tells the neighbor that it is better to separate and not to worry, however Neighbor proposes to run away together which they do.
Transcript 11/11/20XX
You hear something in the hallway beyond.
Option 1: Eavesdrop on them. | Option 2: Leave them alone.
You hear a door open, and feet moving against a wooden floor.
Two people - your neighbors?
Your breath grows silent as you listen carefully.
 'You came' the light voice starts after a few moment [sic] of quiet.
 'Of course I did. You invited me' the deeper voice answers.
 'I'm... sorry for running away like that. It was immature of me...'
Then quiet again.
You imagine both people are struggling for words - the right words.
The lighter voice speaks up again.
Why do you always seem so sad when you look at me?
It was a question neither of them likely expected to be asked.
 'Because...'
 'I've lost you so many times... and I'm waiting to lose you again.'
Quiet. So quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Time flowed onwards through this quiet, winding its way between the pair.
 'What... do you mean?'
A laugh - but not a humorous one. A self-mocking one.
 'You might not believe me, but hear me out anyway, okay?'
 '...We didn't meet by chance,' they start.
 'I was sent here to meet you. Like I've met you dozens of times in the past.'
 'Sent here? Why?' there's genuine confusion in their voice. They don't sound scared, just... confused.
 'I was sent here to take your soul, because I am... a Grim Reaper.'
The silence this time is so loud you almost have to cover your ears.
Tension hangs in the air.
 'You and I met a long time ago, in a different lifetime, and I... refused to take your soul then.'
 'Ever since, in every lifetime, I have... been sent to you as punishment.'
 'And in every lifetime, I've loved you.'
 'You...' the light voice cracks, 'are you... telling the truth?'
The sound of movement. You can see it in your mind, as they touch hands.
I wouldn't lie to you. Feel my warmth, hear my heartbeat... have I ever felt familiar to you?'
The rustling of cloth. A hand over a heart.
 '...I've felt nostalgic ever since we met.' the light voice whispers.
A deep voice continues.
 'I didn't want to hurt you. I still don't. I want to keep you safe. The best way to keep you safe is.. if I'm far away from you.'
 'what would happen to you?'
 '...You don't need to worry about me.'
 '...Why don't we run away together?'
 'What?'
There's genuine confusion in them. Their voice, which is usually low and cool, picks up.
 'I think I've been dreaming about you. For years. I don't want to lose you just when I've found you.' the airy voice adds.
 'Are you... serious?' the deep voice responds, filled with surprise.
 'I am.' the lighter voice repeats, a note of determination weaving through their words.
 'Stay with me.'
The deep voice, once calm and composed, now carries a trace of vulnerability. 'I never thought... I never imagined you'd want me to stay.'
You can feel it even from here - a fragile hope. A possibility. 
A pause - a suspended moment in which the weight of a thousand lifetimes seems to hang in the balance.
And then, the deep voice responds, 'If you'd have me, I'd stay by your side forever.'
You hear footsteps, then a door closing.
And then, silence.
The mystery of your neighbors seems to come to a close, and you step back from the door filled with wonder and confusion.
Two people in the very same apartment with their own Grim Reapers? What are the chances?
One in a million, you assume.
Though you're the only person, probably, in the entire world who would believe what just happened, you can't help but feel happy.
Love is an infectious thing.
You pray for a moment that the two, whoever they are, whatever they look like, have a happy future ahead of them.
An you think about your own Grim Reaper... the one who has captured your heart, as well.
If the player clicks the door again:
The hallway beyond is silent now.
But that's okay.
==Not Eavesdropping ==
If the player does not consistently eavesdrop on the neighbors, they will not be able to hear the continuation of their story. Trying to eavesdrop after missing a prior chance will not change this.
Transcript
The hallway beyond is quiet. 
It seems you missed the end to this story.
==Beyond the Bet DLC==
===Day 6 - AM ===
When eavesdropping in Beyond the Bet, the player can hear some rustling and movement, it turns out that the neighbors are moving.
Transcript 11/11/20XX
You put your ear to the door, ready to eavesdrop on your neighbors once again...
But instead of whispers, or phone calls, or proclamations of love...
You hear the sound of moving!
You poke your head out, curious, to see people from a moving company carrying boxes from the apartment next door.
It seems your neighbor is very suddenly moving.
Feeling a little disappointed but also incredibly curious, you go back into your apartment and think for a while on your next door 
neighbor
You never met them - never even got their name... life is pretty fleeting, huh?
If the player clicks the door again:
You hear the hustle and bustle of feet against the floor and heavy boxes being lugged downstairs.
But you don't hear your neighbors.
===Day 8 - PM===
Transcript 13/11/20XX
You put your ear to the door, but find it... quiet.
With your mysterious neighbors moving out a couple of days ago, eavesdropping has become a lot more boring.
Maybe it's a sign you should actually go out there and meet some of your neighbors, instead of just eavesdropping all the time.
You're just thikning of doing that when you hear footsteps approach your door, then stop.
Option: ...?
Before you have the chance to open your door, a letter slips in your mail slot.
The footsteps retreat.
Curious, you pick up the letter.
 'Dear Neighbor,'
 'Sorry if this letter comes as a surprise, but I promise I'm not a scammer, or a conartist, or a thief...'
 'My intentions are pure!'
 'Anyway.'
 'This is your neighbor, kinda. Room 4, on the 9th floor.
 'You probably don't know me, but I've passed you in the halls a few times.'
 'I should probably have clarified, this isn't a confession of my love, either...'
 'God, should I start this letter again...?'
 'Ahem.'
 'I'm moving to a small town called Willowmist soon, just for a few months. You probably haven't heard of it... it's in the complete middle of nowhere (lol).'
 'I just wanted to tell you that you've seemed very bright lately.'
 'We don't know each other, but I think I felt inspired to do this move because of you.'
 'Which is, again, kinda crazy, seeing as we don't know each other Isn't is [sic] strange how someone you only pass sometimes can make such a difference?'
 'Whatever it is that's changed for you, I hope it continues. Happiness can be so sparse these days, but you seem to radiate with it.'
 'Wherever life takes you, I hope you can enjoy it, even when something challenges your brightness.'
 'This ended up kinda poetic. My bad.'
 'See ya around!'
 'The weirdo from the 9th floor.'
You put the letter down, and spend some time thinking over the contents.
If the player clicks the door again:
The hallway is silent.