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Duration: April 2014

Status: Ongoing

William T. Spears, Darling, Grell Sutcliff - Me

Sebastian Michaelis/Reginald Scot, Undertaker - Brush of Magic

Comments: Oh the feels~

***

Sebastian watched Grell closely as the effeminate male rose from the floor, picking himself up and dusting off both his pride and his outfit, before turning his eyes on him. Sebastian's hoped for reaction, admittedly, as the man being slightly bitter at being dropped on the floor, but being willing to forgive the new coworker out of charity. But, this is not what happened. Not exactly. Before long, those cunning, sly eyes of Grell's began to rake up and down his form, like a very particular cook appraising a cut of fine meat hanging in a butcher's shop window.

Oh dear.. the butler could not help, but to think with an exasperated sigh.

It seemed that Grell was at it again. His appearance had changed slightly, as did his accent and his name, but the red headed trouble maker was still just as infatuated and intrigued with him. It seemed that he was in for, yet again, another round of dealing with Grell. Perhaps, even, an eternity of dealing with Grell.

Ugh. Why do I suddenly feel ill?

He forced himself to focus back on Grell again, who was wiggling those fingers in front of him, as if expecting him to kiss his hand or something. Well, at least, one good thing came of posing as an employee, rather then a charming butler.. Sebastian took Grell's hand and shook it, feigning ignorance for such a kissing custom.

"My name is Reginald Scot. I transferred in from Wales but, a few short days ago. Spears-san has told me much concerning you, Sempai."

Yes, he would give him the respectful honorific. Heeding Will's advice was a good thing, concerning Grell, considering, though he did not wish for the other male to be all over him, he did wish to stay in his good graces. Just then, the sound of a door knob giggling caused him to glance behind him. Oh, his poor Shujin. Sebastian shook his head, before glancing at Grell and uttering a simple,

"Excuse me."

With that, he strode to the door, opened it and placed a hand on his master's back as he lead him out of it. He decided to accompany William to the infirmary. For one thing, he was sure that his master had a concussion and that, as his servant, it was his duty to look after him and for another, the demon had no desire to stand in a room full of reapers, who were unfamiliar to him, alone.

"Shujin, how are you feeling? Can you see straight?" he asked, now that they were alone.

***

A handshake? How cheap.

Though it wasn't quite the response he'd hope for, Grell was still grateful that this handsome creature of a man held his hand and give it a firm handshake. Reginald Scot still held his hand! That was still something.

Something to fuel his fantasies and lively spirits. Ah~ He could definitely feel the words to a poem right now. Perhaps an ode to the handsome Endymion and his beautiful form, while he was the enigmatic Selene who captured said shepherd to ravish in his sleep. Ah yes.. Endymion and his dark hair and fresh verdant green eyes. And what a ravishing he could definitely do to this man if given a chance!

Rome was not built in a day! Patience always had it's merits.

Grell batted his long curled eyelashes at him with a coy curve of lips, "Oh has he? Ah, that William... Such a sweetheart he is! So you're a transferee...," The reaper's tone dropped a pitch lower, deeper...secretive even, "You know... I haven't had a chance to train newbies lately. I'd be more happy, I'd love to train you---"

But alas! His statuesque shepherd with jet black hair and strong frame that stood tall over the rolling hills of lush greenery had abandoned him midspeech! How rude. Scot didn't even stop to hear him out. What a brusque! YOU DON'T JUST WALK AWAY WHEN I'M TALKING!!!

Just like that, the lovestruck expression on the redhaired reaper turned into an angry scowl as he acted out of his ladylike persona, livid with rage and absolutely affronted by the new recruit's behavior. He was hissing under his breath, and was just about to breathe out all sorts of very unwomanly things out of his painted mouth like a dragon exhaling fumes of flame when a distinguishable chuckle floated over the air, effectively taking Grell's attention.

He snapped his head to the direction and found Knox cupping the lower half of his face, quivering in laughter as he shook his head.

"Sempai, you just scared that one off."

The second in command haughtily folded his arms across his chest and poutily responded, "You lie, Knox! Oh how you lie! Knock on wood or be cursed forever." How could anyone fear him? He was so beautiful it was sinful!

The half-blond continued to snicker, but with one darkened glance from his superior was quick to jump at his heels to find the nearest wooden surface and start knocking. "You know, Grell-sempai... If I remember it right, didn't the men pursue the hand of the fair young lady than the latter offering it right up? You are a prize to be won, Sempai! Not a common woman to be handed to anyone!" If there was anything Knox had learned to be able to survive the Dispatch Division, it was to learn how to curry the favor and good graces of Grell Sutcliff if you wanted to have a pleasant working experience for as long as you were placed in the said office. "It's okay, Sempai! It's Scot's loss. Not yours!"

A moment of contemplation overcame the redhead as he thought hard on his junior's words before nodding and completely agreeing, "You're right! It's truly that man's loss not mine."

Knox smiled in triumph. Yes! Sempai and I are on the same page!

"But I'll make sure he will regret trespassing me just now. I sweaaaar it, if I can't then I'm definitely not Grell Sutcliff."

Knox continued to smile anyway. I rejoiced too soon...

"I AM LADY DEATH~ SIMPLY TO DIE FOR!"

...Sempai needs a prince charming who actually wants to be his prince charming for once.

And the party continued. Even without it's very unwilling celebrant in attendance.

Said unwilling celebrant be nursing the headache from hell to the point that it was hurting him further to even wear his glasses. Unwillingly, William folded them up and tucked them back into the safety of it's box. He had not even realized that there was a strong hand on his form, holding him in place and supporting his strides. The reaper was in a cloud of confusion, his eyes had the shine of glazed emeralds in such a state.

"I'm fine. Nothing more than a little spell, Scot," Was that even his butler? If it weren't for the distinct voice that told him so, the blurs didn't do much to help identify the demon at his side. "Do not worry yourself on the account of me. Smelling salts should do the trick." Stubborn as a mule, his employer remained steadfast and willful; refusing to show weakness despite the bright flashes of light before his eyes. Halfway through their sluggish trek, William defeatedly resigned to his fate and slumped against Sebastian, finally letting the butler help through the first thirty minutes of his head injury.

The infirmary staff were surprised to receive him, speaking of the grand party that Grell Sutcliff had thrown in his honor and was even gesturing to the food and drink that had come from the scrumptious buffet laid out on their tables. The redhead had gone out of his way indeed, even to share blessings with staff beyond their wing. How charming of the redhead.

William simply smiled weakly and asked to be laid so he could rest. He didn't want to argue anymore

***

The noise of the party could be heard growing more and more faint, as the two stoic figures traversed the halls of the reaper headquarters, toward the infirmary. The butler had yet to see the hospital wing, but he allowed William's steps to guide them there, as his hand pressed against his master's back to steady the other man. However, before they could get there, his master's body had slumped against his own. It seemed that his lordship had finally stopped fighting the fact that he needed help, whether he wanted it, or not. Sebastian would have scooped William up into his arms and carried him, bridal style, the rest of the way. But though he had only been with his current master for a short time, he knew that the other man had a substantial amount of pride. So, instead, he looped an arm around his master's back and brought the other's arm over the top of his own back. He supported his master by holding onto his wrist, with one hand, while his other cupped against his upper ribs, just under his arm. That way, he allowed his master to still lead them to the infirmary, traveling on his own feet and his own power. His butler merely acted as a support, as was the proper place of any serving demon. He was the scaffolding upon which all of his master's illustrious hopes and dreams would rest, secured. Nothing more.

"Here we are, Shujin." he uttered softly, as he helped the other sit upon a bed.

It was not long before Grell's praises were sung by the hospital staff who soon began to examine William and his head injury. The demon's face was seemingly blank as usual, but he was not amused. That scalding look that Grell had aimed at the back of his head had not gone unnoticed. It seemed that he had made a new enemy. Well, that was better then him being infatuated with him, right? Wrong. But, ignorance was bliss for now and Sebastian sat by his master's bedside, unaware that his office life would, just as William had predicted concerning those who angered the blood obsessed red head, become his own personal Hell.

"You can go back to the party, Mr-?"

"Scot. And if it would be fine, I would rather wait here for my superior. I'm not much for social gatherings, you see and I am worried about his condition. Might I wait here for him to recover?" he asked the nurse, giving her one of his cute, practically sparkling looks that caused her to squeal and tell him simply that he could do anything he wished, before scurrying off, with red cheeks and thrilled eyes.

Sebastian shook his head with a small smile on his face. It worked every time. With that thought, he turned to look at his master's form who was resting in bed, his face seemingly expressionless once more. He was concerned, even if his expression did not betray him. So, he decided to sit there and wait for when William felt better. The nurse had come, bearing magazines for Sebastian to read, so that he could 'take his mind off of his fretting' as she had so adequately put it. He eyed the choices slowly. One was on reaper fashion, another was on reaper combat and the last one? One homemaking. His green eyes flashed red ever so slightly for a moment in interest. An article on simple, yet delicious food was on the front page. So, to her surprise, that was the one he chose. Unbeknownst to him, choosing the Reaper's Wife magazine was quite appropriate. Why? Because whether the reaper resting in bed knew it or not, a wife was what he needed.. not a butler.

Meanwhile, a certain someone looked upon the clad in red reaper, who breezed ever so gracefully throughout the crowds. Ah, yes, the observer couldn't help, but to think how he was the life of the party as he chatted with this one, spoke to that one. But, then, that seemingly perpetually grinning mouth turned down into a slight frown, as he sighed heavily and propped his chin up on an awaiting hand.

"Oh my dearest.. How will I ever get you to notice me?" he pondered to himself, serious for once.

***

A strangled chuckle escaped the man's lips the moment he and Sebastian were finally left alone with the curtains drawn over them. William's jacket had been removed and made to hang at the corner of the bed, with his sleeves folded up and first few buttons left open. He was holding a cold compress against the back of his head. There was a pair of hot water bottles affixed to his feet.

"Injury or not... I always find ways to get out of those gatherings. I'm surprised the staff actually still believe me up to now when I constantly bluff my way into the infirmary whenever the circumstances call for it."

He groaned slightly, pinching the bridge of his nose as he felt the cold seep through his skin. The medications were kicking in but not by far. Still, William was starting to feel a lot better now he was in the safety of the infirmary. Maybe it was simply for the fact he was finally there, away from the noisy carnival of a party hence he was starting to become at ease.

"I apologize that you had to bear witness to all of this... I had no clue that Sutcliff had gotten this far. He has never done this before. I'm not pleased to say the least. But at least, you could say your first day was rather eventful." Even as he tried to crack a joke around the other, his face remained twisted in slight pain with his eyes screwed shut as he inhaled and exhaled in turn, heavily.

As the Undertaker would have observed, indeed the second in command was truly the life of the party. He expertly weaved in and out of the crowd, checking on all and ensuring that they were in good spirits the entire time. The foods and drinks were overflowing. The music was wonderful. People danced, sang and chatted. All in all, it was indeed a celebration. Grell had even gone out of his way to seat and allow certain people and crowds to mix and engage in conversation, acting as a bridge between individuals who would have never been seen together in the first place. It was quite a feat really. There was no one at the party who was not without anyone else, either engaged in chat or having a round or two of drinks.

Then suddenly the hostess of the party disappeared from view. For a minute or two, there was simply no attractive flash of red within anyone's line of vision, not even through the edge of one's peripheral vision. It was as if Grell had just vanished into thin air. But of course since everyone was busy with everyone else, no one truly paid any mind when the reaper suddenly dropped out of view like that.

"You know... It's an insult to my abilities to see you all alone there, my dear Undertaker... Care for some company?"

One of the recruits turned waits walked passed by giving Grell the opportunity to snatch up a glass from the boy's tray. He gave the wait a saucy wink that got the younger recruit to blush beet red and scamper off like an awkward school boy in the presence of their gorgeous crush. Well, the redhead was attractive in the first place! No surprise. Haha.

A champagne flute held by a delicately lace gloved hand was extended from the Undertaker's side as the attractive redhead chose to reappear by the lonely funeral director in his just as somber corner of the Dispatch Division's office.

The redhead tilted his head to the side and peered at the retired reaper with a curious expression on his face, "I do hope... that I'm good enough as company for someone like you? If not, I can always find someone. I can't have a frown in my party! Of all places... We must do everything to bring that smile back on your face!" he declared with a dramatic sigh and a hand folded against his forehead, and still managing to balance that long stemmed glass with one hand. "Or is there anything you'd like in particular?"

Grell was definitely at top form right now, all charm, wit and beauty as he hovered about the other man's personal space without so much a care if the Undertaker would mind him there in the first place. And oh, overconfidence too. The redhead didn't seem to hesitate it would seem. Perfectly confident that the other reaper was well and good with his needling.

If he only knew.

***

The demon closed his eyes with a small hint of a smirk eating away at the corners of his lips, before he breathed out, "Honestly, Shujin. Forgive me, but that is somewhat childish. However, it is not as if I have any room to speak."

With that, he turned to face the direction in which they had come where the faintest trickle of noise could still be heard coming from down the hall.

"I, too, am glad to be away from the noise."

But, the demon's face spoke much more then speaking of mere noise. The demon's face was blank, but his eyes were expressive in such a moment. It was Grell that he was obviously glad to be away from. When away from him, he found peace and quiet. And William's presence was calming to the demon, of sorts, having the opposite effect on him that the red headed reaper's had. Although, his lips had to quirk once again into a hint of a smile, so small that unless they knew the demon well, they could miss it.

"Eventful, you say? Yes, I suppose so."

The Undertaker was brooding a bit, before snapping out of it, once he realized that he had lost sight of his target. He glanced this way and that, comically, looking for the red head, as if he had lost a golden coin on the streets and was trying to locate it. But, unlike any other treasure, Grell had the ability to find him first. The Undertaker's eyes widened from under his hair as he was suddenly addressed by the object of his affections, who just happened to be standing ever so close to him. Close enough to smell his perfume. Ah~ Such longing that overcame his system! He was embraced by the potent memories of sweet kisses in the darkness, surrounded by groves of tragically white roses, that were to forever bear witness to one man's loss as they were stained by the blood of two lovers.

But, despite the pain it caused in his heart, he gave the other a lopsided grin, which was the only part of his expression that could be seen by the other.

"Hehee~ Your company will be more then enough for an old Undertaker like me, dear child. As for what I want.."

With that, he took the champagne flute that Grell had just drunk out of, from him and sipped down the rest in an indirect kiss, before uttering with an ear to ear grin, "Just some entertainment!"

The man thanked his lucky stars that he was half insane. He wouldn't have the nerve to tease Grell like this, otherwise.

"Have any good stories for me, my sweet? I do so love good gossip, hehee~!"

An hour or so had passed. Sebastian had given his master adequate quiet time to recover his strength. He finally closed the magazine after having memorized the recipe to a simple stew on a budget. He was sure that he could improve upon such a recipe with his extensive knowledge of spices and that it would barely cost a cent. Just then, one of the workers from another department poked his head into the room.

"Ah, Mr. Spears, here you are! The paperwork went through for your transfer to a new apartment. It is three halls over in 205. Oh, here are the keys, before I forget!"

With that, the man handed the man in the bed them, before excusing himself in favor of catching a few hours at Grell's party. Sebastian eyed the keys now in his master's hands.

"Well, Shujin, it seems that the work day at the office was most unproductive.. But, perhaps, now that all of the paperwork has obviously been pushed through that will prove beneficial to your goals, the day was not a total loss."

***

It was most unusual for him to be tongue tied but here was he was. The reaper had absolutely nothing to say! Grell raised a hand to slightly obscure his parted lips caught in midspeech. Well there were plenty of stories... but would they be of interest to the other man? Office scandals, romance, mishaps and rivalries. There were plenty to tell. Missions gone haywire. Missions that had much more than the eye could see. The redhead looked to the side, resting the hand now on his hip and hummed out loud. This was certainly challenging. In the presence of colleagues and his superiors, he was quite the chatterbox to the point that he'd have to be threatened not to utter another word in a business setting. But in the presence of the Undertaker...?

Which brought Grell to the question.

What was he doing here in the first place? Why was he even here?

Yes, he was aware who he was. The lonely funeral director had been the Legend. One of the living relics of bygone golden years for the reapers. Everyone knew who he was. Everyone had heard the heroic sagas of prose dedicated to him. It was the bread and butter of Literature and History for them. But hadn't the silver haired man turned in his glasses and scythe so long ago already? It was fairly unusual for retirees to catch wind of the current events and worm their way back into the familiar halls.

The Undertaker must have a mole of sorts to be so in touch with things inside still. Wonder who that was.

"Stories... Nothing out of the boring conundrum of office life, I'm afraid. Scandal here and there. Hair pulling then. A petty catfight. Spilled tea and biscuits. Inside the cabinet capers during office hours." The pretty redhead sighed out loud, wordlessly expressing the boredom of it all. "I dare you not ask either of how my life has been either. It's just as colored in shades of drab and gray as well... Office life has not been anything but boring. Unless you want to hear about how me and girls from the secretarial department braved the streets of Porto Bello road for a selection of dresses and such. We managed to find a good number of second hand finds."

Grell clasped his hands together and pressed it against his lap, "Oh dear... I just let my mouth run away from me again... I apologize. Moreover, I...don't understand but I'm at a loss at the moment. I don't know what I could possibly tell you that would be of your interest. I wouldn't want to bore you with chatter that's out of your league..." He hate to admit it but he felt...shy. Just by a bit. Here he was with a handsome but enigmatic guest that he had no common ground with and owing to being the hostess of the party, the reaper had to make small chat with him but... Oh all too many buts and what ifs!

Perhaps if he could find a common interest between them---something binding and of importance that they both had a liking towards.

"So...I was wondering, Undertaker. Do you like poetry and theater?"

Back at the infirmary, a look of relief passed over William's pair of eyes at the sight of the keys that had been passed onto him. Just like that, the dark haired reaper was feeling much better than an hour ago before he had been tackled to the ground in excitement. Judging himself to be fit and of good condition once more, he got up from the bed and began to redress himself.

"I couldn't agree more. It wasn't such a total loss. I suppose you'll have your proper first day tomorrow then." Now, he didn't feel as bad as getting Sebastian late then.

Once he was back looking a lot like himself and faring better than ever, he signed out on the log book with the provided pen. The nurse was staring at him, quite dreamily. William came to notice and flitted his eyes from the log and on her. He raised an eyebrow at her in a wordless challenge.

"Oh pardon me, Mr. Spears... It just came to my notice what a good looking face you have there up close, sir. No wonder Mr. Sutcliff is so head over heels for you. I hope you'll enjoy the rest of the day at the party," came a bashful response as the nurse skittered off to her companion who had given Sebastian an eye or two then earlier.

Taking that as his cue to leave, the reaper sighed inwardly and left as quickly as he came. Anymore dilly dallying, William was more than sure to hear the gossip and speculative talks of his bachelor status or unfounded rumors of his beyond office hour relations with his loudmouth second in command. Or just about anyone. It wasn't funny how a simple glance down someone's way or a brush of fingertips or hold of the forearm was more than enough to give birth to overblown stories of no realistic basis. It wasn't that he was used to it but simply because this was simply one of many did not make it less irritating.

"I think an early lunch should be put into order... It isn't as if we can do anything with everyone all over the office at the moment," He sounded scornful as he said so, truly displeased with the turn out of events. There was still that curious countryside case that had to be looked into and now he was held hostage outside of his office! Unbelievable. "But before that, come with me and let's go over the new apartment space. That way, we'll have something to discuss over the meal. As I've said earlier back at the house, I hardly have a creative bone in my body so you'll have to take care of the furnishings and details when we get there." That had been a bitter pill to swallow... To admit that one out loud but it wasn't like Sebastian would laugh at him for it, if anything... Wouldn't that give the butler something to do? He should be pleased to know that there would be chores to be done after the routine had been set to motion. "After lunch... I'll run you over the basics. We can take one of the training rooms to ourselves. And oh, Scot, do you need to feed or anything? I don't think you had done so the night prior... I fell asleep in the tub again it seemed. Oddly enough I woke up in bed this morning..."

He was making a vocal rundown of their line of activities for the day in sequential order off the bat, without much asking an opinion or question like he would to Hopkins while on their way to a meeting. That is until the end when William chose to turn to Sebastian if he had any qualms or further suggestions to add to what had been already made mention.

***

Grell couldn't possibly have known, but the chattering that was spilling out of his mouth was like music to the Undertaker's ears. It would have been like nails on a chalk board to someone like Sebastian, or even William T. Spears to hear him prattle on so. But, the Undertaker did not mind. In fact, he could almost imagine this conversation to be on a personal level, if he tried hard enough. Almost as if he had asked Grell, 'how was your day' and the man had begun to wave off most of it as ordinary drama and then, move on to make mention of finding second hand goods when out with the ladies. It reminded the Undertaker of conversations they had had before, at another time, in another place and in another life. It made him long to have such conversations again. All of this chatter, no matter how mundane in nature, was soothing to the man clad in gray and black. Then, Grell, unexpectedly, asked something that sparked the Undertaker's interest. He paused for a moment, blank faced, before he tilted his head down slightly and smiled as he uttered,

"I love those things. I often times frequent the theaters of London. The operas, too. Particularly those with grueling deaths and tragic love stories. I find them the pain of such tragic stories to be simply delicious, you know, hehee~ As for poetry, I read it at times. Other times, I dabble and write some of it, myself on scrapes of paper I see in places. Hm hmm, where did I put it?"

With that, the Undertaker began to dig through his robes and finally, remembered that it was in his bone cookie jar. Out was pulled a bit of paper that looked as if it had been swipes from an old newspaper.

"The moon shines upon the rooftops of this dead city.
The bones all walk about and nod their heads,
To one another on the streets of hypocrisy below.
A scream resounds in a darkened alley,
Blood splashes the streets already filthy with sin.
The reapers come to claim yet another soul.
Another bag of bones is delivered to my shop just around the corner.
Mangled and torn, thank you, oh artist of macabre!
Ah, death! How you complete me!"

With that, the mam tucked away the poem and shrugged modestly,

"Like I said, I merely dabble."


"Very good, then, Shujin." Sebastian merely said, as his master told him that his first proper day at work could always be the next day, thus agreeing with him that the day was not a total loss.

The demon may have missed any looks directed at him by the women, but the looks that the one was giving his master were anything, but overlooked. Sebastian took note, filed it away for later, only allowing his mind to once again confirm what he already knew; that his master was surely quite desirable and how fortunate he was to have a handsome master. Yes, to a demon, having a good soul encased in a beautiful body with an amazing personality was ideal. It all served to make the soul taste all that much more gratifying. So, going after people with good looks was a norm for demons. This contract had been out of desperation. But, he lucked out once more, in spite of this fact. His master was, indeed, handsome.

As they walked down the hall, the demon took note of all of the things his master wished to do and for him to either participate in or do himself. Lunch for his master would be on the schedule, as well as a trip to the new apartment to look it over and make some plans for it. The butler was actually quite excited about the prospect of being able to use his sense of good taste and knowledge of various styles he had gathered over his years of servitude to decorate his master's space. It would give him a chance to showcase certain underused talents of his for one and for another, it was as close to having 'fun' as a dutiful demon such as himself was probably ever going to get. This did not include his moments of sadistic joy when Grell got himself into trouble, of course. His training as a reaper, or something reaper-esque, really, was also going to begin. The demon was secretly curious about what it all would entail. Just then, however, his master mentioned feeding, snapping him out of his pondering on other matters. Whenever food was mentioned, or the prospect thereof, it could catch a demon's attention like nothing else.

He was tempted to take it, immediately. After all, one never knew when the opportunity to do so again would present itself and a creature so ravenous should surely feed with each and every opportunity he got, right? Of course, though, those were merely age old instincts taking over. The butler was a serving demon. He was used to waiting for things like eating and he knew that once he did it, it would be nap time before one could blink and nothing of importance would get done. So, behind William, Sebastian placed a hand on his stomach to silence any rumbles of protect it would give, as he smiled ever so slightly with closed eyes.

"I will be quite alright until the evening comes. I can wait for that need to be taken care of then, Shujin."

As for how William found himself in his bed and not still in the baths when he awakened? The butler did not care to comment on that one. A serving demon was meant to be discreet and their presence barely noticed. Only the excellence and beauty of the work they left behind was to be praised and seen. So, him scooping William out of the increasingly cold water, drying and dressing him so carefully that the man had not woken up, was not to be realized. Only the end result of his master waking up clean, dressed and in his nice, warm bed, mattered.

The demon listened to William's long list of intentions for the day, silently, as they walked to the new apartment space. He honestly did not expect his opinion to be asked in the least. He was his servant, after all. What he thought scarcely mattered. So, the demon stared at his master, silent for a short time, as he collected his thoughts.

"I can only say that I would ask my master not to indulge in the cuisine of the cafeteria that we passed today. For you see, I have made your lunch already, Shujin, and wish for it not to go to waste." he said, producing the tin lunch box, almost out of thin air, as he sometimes did with objects, almost as if by magic.

The lunch smelled rich and divine. The aroma caused people in the halls passing by to turn to look at the box with hungered curiosity. Some even poked their heads out of the cafeteria to see what they were missing out on, much to the insult of the lunch ladies. Shame on William asking for simpler cooking, indeed. For Sebastian's talent in cooking was unmatched by many and surpassed by very few. He was simply one Hell of a cook.

***

Once again, the Undertaker rendered him speechless. First in surprise and leaving him in turmoil like not other and this time, Grell was tongue tied for too many reasons, so plentiful yet magnificent reasons.

In the past, he'd had the pleasure of finally beholding the face beneath the excessively long curtain of silver that framed and masked such a handsome countenance. No doubt, Grell's heart skipped a beat and the sight of it made him sigh in admiration but unfortunately for the good looking Undertaker, the pretty redhead was not so petty to fall any man even if he was a looker such as the retired reaper. The chainsaw wielding reaper had long set a standard by which he strictly adhered to and not once did he make any exceptions for anyone so far.

For one, they'd have to be a prince. Yes, the crimson haired belle would not have any less. After all, he was but a princess and of course who else would be the best match for him but a dashing prince charming who would sweep him off his stylish stiletto heels? Next, he'd have to be cultured and of high repute, a man of substance and good heart. Someone who would adore Grell with all of their heart and soul till the next life and beyond. And last but not the least, they would not object to kissing~ with tongue and so much more! Ohhh~!

The moment the Undertaker's deep and melodious baritone reached his ears, Grell felt his heart race like never before and his breath was caught in his throat. Such an effect that voice had on him, he felt like he was under a spell of kind listening to the pleasant roll of syllables and timely pauses in the poem that the funeral director wrote himself. That raw emotion in the lyrical sequence of those words... And the way he read them with so much feeling... He swore his ears would swell with children at the bliss that erupted from his chest. Never had the redhead felt so moved in a long while till now.

Please don't be in love with someone else... Please notice me... Look at me. Give me a chance to be your princess..., he found himself praying to himself as he gazed upon the Undertaker in a completely different light then. Grell let out a sigh, suddenly filled with a brand new awareness and fresh sense of excitement towards the dark-clad man. Suddenly, the long haired reaper found himself a fool for having never noticed him in the first place when he was right there, RIGHT THERE under his nose. The redhead felt like he'd found a diamond in the rough, a valuable treasure amongst the dumps. Was this how the proud Phebe felt when she laid her eyes upon Ganymede in that Shakespearean play? What was it she said again? Ah yes! Whoever loved that loved not at first sight? The lovely damsel could only speculate.

Grell raised his lace gloved hands with a pristine handkerchief to his face and gently patted the sides of his eyes, "That... That was beautiful. I never knew that there was such a gentle soul underneath all that dark and dreary gray of yours. Th-thank you!" He felt so much like a little girl in the presence of a much more aged, worldly and knowledgeable man then. So small...so fragile yet filled with wisdom enough to appreciate the beauty of those words. Thank you for showing me this... Thank you for giving this opportunity! "Please let me hear you read more! I want to hear more!" Perhaps he'd been too enthusiastic there, his voice raising in volumes as he declared out loud his admiration, his hopes and dreams in one statement just like that. It made him embarrassing, cheeks turning pink as he cupped his face and shook, swaying from side to side and whining softly to himself, hopelessly flustered.

It seemed the crimson robin had found himself in love once more.

The small gathering of people drawn to the mouthwatering smell made the normally unflappable persona flinch and taken aback by being assaulted by eyes from all directions, troubled by the curious stares and gasps of awe for the meal revealed in the deceptively little tin box. Without warning the disgruntled man grabbed Sebastian by the wrist and began to brisk walk, bounding towards the nearest corner and much farther until the reaper was sure no one else was in earshot.

Once alone with the butler, William let out an extended sigh and raised a hand to his forehead, grasping his temples then shook his head profusely, "Not again, Scot... Not again." Just when he thought he'd made his point about Sebastian and his habits...

He let the hand drop to his sides and gave the demon a small and straight lined smile. "What happened to the rest of the pie from this morning? I wasn't able to consume all of it... Then now this. I appreciate the gesture and your efforts but this is too much. Please, take it easy, Scot. You've made too much for just one man to have. I don't have a ravenous appetite." To lighten up the mood and not upset the well meaning servant's intentions, he chuckled lightly then continued, "It's not like I can share now can I? You run on a completely foreign denomination as I do here."

What was he going to do now? There was a scrumptious lunch that could possibly feed a small army in his surprisingly faithful servant's possession and the reaper didn't have much of an appetite, eating quite similarly to a bird to put it simply. How in the world did the butler managed these cooking feats would forever baffle him till eternity... Did he really make all of these out of his humble collection of ingredients in his storage? So hard to believe. It would insult Sebastian's cooking if he shared his meals with employees, not to mention unprofessional and uncalled for. William was left to one last choice.

"Never mind, Scot. Don't think so much about it. I'll eat it," the green eyed head of office said, taking the lunch tin and peeking through the slightly opened lid, curious of just what had the butler prepared for him in the first place. He was greeted by the smell of bread, turkey meat and some others. Were those vegetables? Goodness gracious. It smelled divine indeed. No wonder it managed to draw in a crowd of mesmerized and hungry staff. A sandwich? Not bad. "All of it." He finished off emphatically and closed the lunch box.

He would make an exception of today and eat beyond his normal fill. If today's breakfast pie was any indication, William supposed who could be extra indulgent today.

***

The Undertaker watched as his words had such a profound impact on the red headed reaper standing there before him. It caused a small flush to blossom on his cheeks, even as that small, slightly insane grin with his lips parted just so remained on his lips. They were no longer the same people they once were. The Undertaker knew this and had expected it quite well. Grell had been through many human life times by now and picked up a lot of baggage, as well as a new gender, which, by the Undertaker's observations, he was not taking to very easily on the other hand. As for him, he had lost half of his sanity and was no longer the only reaper in existence. Instead, his own life force was feeding an entire network of reapers now, since it was too much of a job for just one immortal to handle. Gwen was now Grell and Grim the Reaper was now the Undertaker, who had also taken on the name of a human, namely that of Eugine Maurice Fitz, who had not one notable thing in his entire life time, other then to persuade the eccentric death god to take on his Earthly title, so that he would not be completely forgotten. But, while they may have changed, their souls never forgot. If this reaction out of the brazen lady to die for standing in front of him didn't prove this fact, then he didn't know anything else that would. He had made his mind up right then and there. He would win Grell's heart and welcome his soul mate back into his arms. And unlike nearly everyone else around Grell, it did not matter to the Undertaker that she was a he. Love was truly blind.

"Eh? You want to hear more, you say? I would love to read you more, but I am afraid that I don't have anymore of my art with me. Hmm, it wouldn't be prudent of an old man like me to monopolize the belle of the party either, only to ask her presence in my stuffy, old funeral home, now would it? We will have to arrange a meeting for another time, my dear in which we exchange poetic tidbits. I bet you write poems, too, don't you? I would love to hear a few. Hmmm, what to do.. Oh, I know.. I tend to show up for coffee in the cafeteria at noon most days. Why don't you look for me there, tomorrow? Perhaps then, you and I can get.. better acquainted, hehee~"

Just then, however, there was a ringing sound. The Undertaker blinked twice, comically, though it could not be seen under that thick curtain of hair, before he realized that it was his bag that was ringing. Out was pulled the phone handle.

"One moment, my dear. Hello? Yes. Yes. Really now? That IS a tragedy. I will be right there. Yes, bye."

With that, he sighed and hung up the phone, by slipping the receiver back into his bag.

"Forgive me, my dear. Something unexpected has just come up. There is always something that has to interrupt my fun, you know? So, I will have to bid you adieu for now."

With that, he took Grell's gloved hands, before raising it to his lips and kissing it gently, before presenting Grell with a large grin.

"So, I shall see you tomorrow then. Noon. Don't forget, hehee~! Oh and my dear lady.. You look like the most beautiful of deaths in that outfit."

With that, the Undertaker, who giggled all of the way out the door, took his bag and his leave.

Sebastian was slightly surprised when his master took him by his wrist and lead him to a more secluded part of the hall. But, as usual, he did not show it. The demon closed his eyes and took the mild scolding in stride. He had made the sandwich that morning along with the breakfast pot pie and had done so, before he received his master's commands of him in the meal department. He glanced at the tin in his hands. Should he have thrown it away and started from scratch? No. His master would have approved of that even less, wouldn't he? He seemed like a stickler sort for not wasting foods, if the way he kept his apartment ever so bare and practical was anything to go by. It honestly made him curious as to who or what William might have been in a former life. Did reapers even have former lives? It did make the demon a trite curious. But, he thought it prudent not to ask his master, nor veer off track concerning this conversation. So, he kept quiet and started paying attention, once more to his master's admonitions.

But, to his surprise, the conversation took an entirely different turn. His master was.. going to eat the prepared lunch? Sebastian's surprise could now be quite clearly seen. His lips quirked into the smallest of smiles, before the demon closed his eyes and placed his arm across his chest, his hand landing on his heart, as he said,

"My master is gracious. Thank you for your patience with me."

His unspoken words? 'Thank you for eating my cooking and not throwing it away, which would break a small piece of me.' With that, the butler keenly reminded his master that they should be on their way.

"Shujin, is the apartment not close now? Shall we be on our way now that that was cleared up?"

The butler was, secretly anxious and excited to see the new space. He just hoped that it did not show that badly, even if there was a sparkle in his eyes as he mentioned it.