Grell usually loved Saturday mornings. It was the only day of the week she was able to sleep in, since she had Saturdays off. However, despite what she'd initially thought, this particular morning was actually a Thursday morning, and she was in a frenzy trying to get ready for work.

"Will is going to be so pissed if I'm late again!" The reaper muttered to herself as she dug through her closet. Finally Grell found a pair of crimson flats, which she hastily slipped on before snatching her car keys off the counter. As the red head opened the car door, she glanced down at her watch. It was 8:59. There was no hope of her being on time.

"Marvelous." Grell groaned, letting out an exasperated sigh as she drove off.

"Just my luck…"

At about 9:15, Grell came bolting into the building, knocking over 2 plants in the process. She skidded to a halt once she reached William's office and knocked on the door.

"This is the third time you've been late this month, Sutcliff." He said tersely, opening the door for her. Grell knew better than to argue with him, so she silently sat down next to Ronald.

"Lucky for you, a situation has come up, and I can't afford to give you any penalties right now."

She was quite happy to hear those words, but before she could get her hopes up, her coworker explained the situation.

"The American Shingami Dispatch are severely understaffed and due to the amount of shootings that occur over there, this is a major problem. So Britain and Germany are sending over some workers to help out. You and Ronald have been chosen to go down to an area in Alabama." He explained, adjusting his glasses.

Both of the reapers were shocked. Of all the places in the U.S., William was assigning them to the South.

"How is that not a penalty?!" Grell snapped.

"Yeah, I'm with Grell-senpai on this one. What the hell William?"

"Stop being so melodramatic, you're going to the best area in the state: Beach City. I hear it's a wonderful vacation spot, and you most likely won't have that much work to do. Consider yourselves lucky." He sighed, rolling his eyes. "Now go home and get packed. The plane is leaving in two hours."

"Damn, Will-senpai wasn't kidding about this place being nice!" Ronald exclaimed. He and Grell had dropped off their bags at the house they'd be staying at, and decided to have a look around the town.

"Yes, it is rather pleasant." She agreed, feeling slightly better about this trip. So far, the people had been nothing but kind, and the scenery was lovely. Maybe this would be a much-needed vacation from the morbid work of being a shinigami. The red head wasn't able to get too lost in thought before a large growling noise could be heard from Ronald's direction.

"Sorry, I didn't eat breakfast this morning…" Her friend muttered sheepishly.

"Neither did I. C'mon, let's go get some donuts." She laughed.

The two shinigami's had paid for their donuts and were walking towards the door when another customer walked in. Grell glanced over at them and standing before her was the most gorgeous woman she'd ever seen. Not paying attention to where she was walking, she tripped over her own feet. However, the mystery woman managed to catch her before the shinigami hit the floor.

"Are you alright?" The pale-skinned lady asked, looking concerned.

".. ! I'm fine, and t-thanks for catching me!" Grell stammered, blushing brightly.

"Good." She let go of the redhead and smiled. "I'm Pearl, by the way. I don't think I've seen you in Beach City before…"

"Well, we just moved here from England, so that might explain it!" Ronald said cheerfully. "I'm Ronald Knox, and this is my friend Grell Sutcliff!"

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you both. I'd love to talk a bit more, but I'm afraid I have to go as soon as I order something for a friend." Pearl replied.

"Oh, well in that case we best not waste anymore of your time! See you around!" The blond reaper quickly dragged his flustered friend out of the store and rushed her home. Once Grell was over the initial shock, she began to gush over Pearl.

"That Pearl is the most beautiful and sweet lady I've encountered in a century…. I think I might be falling in love~!" She mused, the goofiest grin appearing on her face. "I must win her affections before we return home!"

Ronald sighed. "This business trip is going to be a lot more interesting than I thought…"