The Value of Forever

by Moon's Envoy

This fic tells about how Undertaker first came into contact with the Phantomhive family in the 16th century. Sent there he has to reap the soul of Edward Phantomhive, only to fall in love with the boy's sister. But loving a human, loving a Phantomhive, is something only the most foolish or insane of death gods should ever do.

1. All at Once

|Note : at the moment this was written Undertaker's name had not yet been revealed, nor is his relationship with the Phantomhive family sufficiently clear. This originally was supposed to stay a one-shot but I'm bored and procrastinating on my other fics, so there will be more to read after this chapter, albeit in shorter chunks. That being said, I'm keeping the fic listed as complete because of it's original one-shot status. Because I don't make any sense at all.
Keep in mind that at the start of the fic Undertaker isn't his wacky self just yet, but he will be starting from chapter 2.

Important-ish for people who haven't read my Sebastian fic : Madeleine is my OC from there but she has a past with UT as well. This fic plays further on what would have happened had she met him instead of Sebastian. Happy reading!|

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|England, 16th century|

Undertaker crossed of the last name on his list for the day. The night shift would be picking up from here on out which meant all he had to do was report his findings and be done with it. Not that there was anything to say. People had died like they always did. Every day was the same, time never leaving an impression on his mind. All humans remained the same, no matter how many were born and died every hour.

"Miss Parker, good night to you." He mumbled, jotting the word 'nothing extraordinary' next to the woman's name. From the other room he could hear the squalling of a baby for its mother. He collected the soul by opening up his book. Once the name turned golden he snapped it shut and turned around. A portal opened quickly, blowing long strands of fine, silver hair away from his face.

Was there anything other than this? Undertaker sometimes found the thought creeping in his mind before he dismissed it. For a Reapers only companions were their Scythe and the eternal ticking of the clock. He smiled automatically to one of the apprentices, adjusting his square glasses as he did so. The youth ran off, excited at having been smiled at by one of THE Reapers.

"Evening, Julius." Undertaker said, handing over his book when he entered the room. Julius accepted the book with a subdued smile, depositing the souls in a file from where they would be redistributed. When he got back the little booklet he raised his hand in half a wave, turning his back on his superior. "Night."

"Wait a minute, Undertaker." Julius piped up, taking his thick glasses from his nose. Polishing the oval-shaped glass Julius leaned back, his jet-black bangs shielding one eye as he spoke.
"You've been doing a good… no, a great job out there. You're punctual, neat and never let a human see you. The clean-up crew hardly knows your name which is a great thing, let me tell you that. In fact, the higher-ups have a job for you."

"The angels have an assignment for me?" Undertaker couldn't help but raise his eyebrows. Receiving an assignment directly from the Upper Realm was a rarity.

Julius shook his head. "Not from any angel. Archangel Rafael specifically requested I have my top man reaping this particular soul. Seems like they are meddling with things down there, and you know how they can get about cases like these."

Undertaker did not have any first-hand experience with such cases but he had heard rumors about them. Rumors about humans who were killed before they could interfere in whatever the higher-ups were planning. "Sounds important."

"Don't worry too much. The reaping is only in three months but they would like you to remain on the grounds in case a demon should interfere, though you will have to put up with some of the smell. Seems like it's one dirty job they have planned." Julius slid some papers over the desk. Undertaker glanced over them. Clearance passes for two specific demons, pictures and a rather peculiar name. Phantomhive.

"It's only a normal job, right?" he inquired monotonously as he bent over the desk to sign the paperwork. Everything in threefold, in case something should go missing. The only clock in the room kept ticking monotonously, one constant in a never-changing world. Seconds slipped past them, but what was a second for an immortal?

Julius shrugged. "As normal as it can get. The Phantomhives have an estate not too far from London though you should be glad they're not close. I've heard the smell there is almost impossible to stand once spring gets started. Then again, what do you want with 10 000 people in one place? Soon we'll have to dispatch a unit for that one town every day."

Undertaker nodded, placing the papers save one in his pocket. He would have liked to get some sleep first but when a job was this high of a priority it was best to get going first thing. Greenish yellow eyes scanned the file in his hand.

Target name : Edward Phantomhive.
Age : Twelve.
Sex : Male.
Reason for death : classified.
Manner of death : burnt at the stake.

Notes : target will appear in Reaper book shortly after assignment is received. Under no circumstance must target be brought in contact with demons. Obey all notes in Reaper book as they appear.

He almost hissed when he read the way in which the boy should die. That was not a pleasant way to go at all. But he felt no pity for the mortal. Once he was dead he would collect the soul and bring it back here. That was his purpose in life, was it not? "Orders are orders."

What else could there be in life?

|90 Days Left|

With a jolt Undertaker shot wide awake, nearly toppling out of the three he had sought refuge in. His loose pants got snagged behind a twig. Gathering his balance back with the help of his Scythe he sat up straight once more, glancing down with a look of exasperation. This assignment didn't really ask a lot of him - it was basically a glorified babysitting job - but there was no decent place to sleep other than the castle nearby. Undertaker didn't want to take refuge there unless he had no choice. There was no fathomable excuse for him to stay there for over three months.

He whipped open his Reaper book once more. No new notes had appeared though he could think of a few to send back to headquarters. Like who in the seven hells would believe the kid was a witch? He and his sister were nigh inseparable. He'd seen the two mortals on little outings near the forest, accompanied by at least two men whose sole duty it seemed to keep them safe. From a distance he could only tell which one the target was due to size and because the woman wore a dress.

Undertaker sighed, leaning back against the tree. A branch snapped underneath him. Sharply inhaling he looked down. It was the Phantomhive woman, the boy's sister. Her dark brown hair done up in an intricate braid, wearing a dress the color of spring grass and morning dew. Her hands were clasped in front of her mouth as she attempted to keep back her giggling.
The Reaper looked around for a moment, spotting the target and his two guards a little farther off, clearly looking for her. It would seem he had ended up in the middle of a game of hide and seek while he slumbered. He shook his head, deftly tying his hair in a ponytail before he stashed his Scythe away safely. He thought he felt something move in his pocket though he didn't think much of it. More important to get away from here, while he still was uninvolved.

One jump and he landed almost as light as a cat in the leaves and bushes near the base of the trees. With a turn he was behind a trunk. Undertaker almost smiled. If the woman had heard a rustle she would most surely assume it had been a deer or rabbit. He dusted off his dark shirt, turning to his left.

And looked straight in a pair of brilliant, big blue eyes. His heart nearly leaped in his throat from the shock though he managed to keep back any undignified sounds. Just in time he registered her smile and what she was saying.

"You dropped this just now, didn't you?" she asked him, holding out a silver pocket watch to him.

He recognized it as his at once. "Y… yes, it seems I did. How silly I didn't realize right away."

Her eyes narrowed a bit in her smile, as if she was a cat catching an unsuspecting canary. "I don't think I would have noticed if I had jumped from the top of a tree. You're pretty amazing, aren't you?"

She'd seen that? Undertaker realized he'd be in big trouble if the chief were to hear about this. His perfect record would be ruined. "I'm… nothing special." For a Reaper, he added in silence.

He reached for the pocket watch but her fingers curled around it protectively. "Could you tell me your name first? My name is Phantomhive Madeleine."

"My name?" Yes his name, had he gone completely daft simply because he was staring in a pair of pretty eyes? "Undertake-eeeh… eh, I mean…"

"Undertaker?" she asked him, her fingers curling away from the watch like a flower blooming. "That's a pretty interesting name. Are you-"

Before she had finished her question Undertaker smelt something disgusting. Sulfur and acid filled the air, almost sending him in a coughing fit. The demons! But why were they coming near the two of them when the target was so close by?

His question was answered when a demon with amber eyes appeared from the shadows. The beast took a deep breath before speaking in a low voice. "Something smells delicious here."

Undertaker's eyes flashed towards Madeleine, knowing at once what the demon was referring to. Though his orders for now were to not bring the target in contact with demons he also had a sacred duty to protect any soul from these animals. "Don't even think about it."

"What are you doing on my father's land?" Madeleine demanded of the newcomer. Undertaker rolled his eyes. Like any demon worth his salt would be impressed by a mortal trying to seem important.

The foe startled to circle the two of them. Undertaker moved in front of the mortal though that would do neither of them a lot of good if the demon attacked. The beast spoke to her in cooing words. "There's no need to fear me, little girl. I can give you anything you want, the deepest desires of your little heart. All you need to do is whisper your wish to me and promise me… promise me your delicious little soul."

With a gasp Madeleine clasped her hands together. "Dear Father who art in heaven, please help us to ward off temptation."

The demon laughed, a bellow that made birds fly up in fear. "Oh how I love the maidens of this time. Nothing like a woman begging for the Light when you're about to bend her over."

Undertaker stepped back slightly until he felt Madeleine against his back. "Don't worry, lady Phantomhive. I will make sure nothing happens to you."

"Yes, that's it! That's how your kind is supposed to be, always protecting the weak lambs." The demon sneered, flexing his hands. "But you're not supposed to intervene with me just now, Reaper, so scram."

Undertaker thought back to his Reaper book but couldn't remember anything about having to let demons eat the souls of humans while he was on watch here. "You won't tempt anyone while I am here, demon."

"Miss Madeleine, are you there?" a male shouted, along a small boy shouting his sister's name.

The split-second Undertaker let his attention falter the demon was next to them, extending his hands to Madeleine. Undertaker countered with his Scythe, the blades nearly slicing the demon's fingers clean off. "Like I just said, no one will lay hands on the lady."

The demon licked the cut on his hand, the stench of blood permeating the air. Undertaker removed one hand from his Scythe, touching Madeleine's elbow ever so slightly. The look on his face spelled certain doom for the idiot that tried to eat a soul on his territory. The sound of humans tramping through the woods grew stronger, making the amber-eyed demon look back in annoyance. "Tch. They're not supposed to see me here. I'll see you later, Lady Phantomhive."

"Stop right there, scoundrel!" One of the guards shouted, pointing a finger towards Undertaker.
"M'Lady, have you been hurt?" the second one asked, before he was shoved to the side by a young boy.

"Sister!" He rushed past Undertaker, not even looking at the strange man with the long hair that was wielding the dangerous weapon. Madeleine swooped down, wrapping her arms around her brother in a loving gesture.

"I'm alright Edward. There was a man here just a moment ago, but master Undertaker protected me." She explained, pressing a kiss on the young boy's cheek. The child looked up at Undertaker, who could immediately see the family resemblance. Though the hair was a shade darker and the eyes were a tone lighter there was no mistaking their lineage. The child clinging to his older sister was Edward Phantomhive, the boy whose soul he was supposed to reap in a few months.

"Give up your weapon at once, fiend." One of the guards ordered, pulling a sword. Undertaker sighed, realizing he could wave his perfect record goodbye. He adjusted his glasses with one hand, getting ready to send out a signal for help.

He was stopped when Madeleine grabbed his arm. With a sudden start he felt nails digging in his skin, the warmth of a human hand seeping through the smooth cloth of his shirt. "No, you've got it wrong. Master Undertaker protected me from a demon."

The two guards shared a glance with each other. Undertaker could almost hear them thinking how he, with his dark clothes and silver hair, must be a demon. "M'lady, you are mistaken. Look at his clothes, his weapon."

"He protected me from a man who would have… who'd have forced me to do things no maiden should have to do!" she retorted, red rising to her cheeks. Her hand dug more firmly in his skin as if to make sure he would not run away from her.
When the men thought to object Edward finally spoke something else than the word 'sister'. "If my big sister says he was here to protect her, we should believe her. And if you don't want to listen to her, you can go and ask father."

That seemed to settle matters for a little while.

|After A Little While|

Undertaker tried to remember if there had ever been a time when another Reaper had botched things up so poorly. Sadly enough for him there were no instances that immediately sprang to mind. Lucky for him, utmost secrecy had not been a part of this job's description. Still, some secrecy would have been good for the general way things went. In his hand he held the pocket watch, the long chain bound around his wrist. Seconds ticked away beneath his palm, every so slowly.

"You were playing outside again without the guards to look over you properly?" Lord Phantomhive asked his eldest child, the dark mustache a perfect compliment to his modest beard. He seemed displeased by the notion. The ring on his hand gleamed in the light of the candles. The sun had set early this spring day, surprising nearly all of them.

Madeleine curtsied, keeping her head towards the ground. "Yes father. We were playing hide and seek. I didn't think there would be any danger."

"Young girls have gone missing around that area for weeks and you think being a Phantomhive will make you less of a target. Being a Phantomhive means being the biggest target there is, Madeleine. When will you learn this?" The man rubbed his index fingers across his temples before he looked at Undertaker.
"And your… rescuer…" The pause was impossible to miss even if one would have tried. "He arrived just in time, didn't he?"

"Actually, father, he was just leaving when I stopped him." Madeleine confessed, the red tinge around her ears flaring up once more.

Phantomhive eyes the hue of frozen fire landed on the woman. "And is this a new habit of yours, daughter? A woman shouldn't go around talking to men, especially if she has a fiance."

Undertaker decided to intervene. "Pardon me, but I had dropped my watch just then. The young lady was merely returning it to me." He pulled the silver watch from his pocket to back them up as proof.

Lord Phantomhive studied the watch for a moment. Undertaker found himself wishing he could read minds. This was the first time he had the chance to study humans up close for longer than just the time it took them to die. This man reminded him of forged steel, gleaming, sharp and unwavering. He knew this Watchdog was putting together the pieces available to him. Finally the man spoke, leaning back. "What do you think of this, daughter? You have been listening in on your brother's lessons after all."

Madeleine flinched as if she had been caught. "Master Undertaker's dress suggests he is of low birth, a fact which is contradicted by one, the pocket watch. Two, his weapon of choice, something which not even your blacksmith would be able to reproduce. Three, his glasses which are of fine make. And four… his hair."

"His hair?" Lord Phantomhive asked.

The woman nodded, casting a furtive glance towards Undertaker. "Not to offend you, master Undertaker, but you have hair which any noblewoman would be proud to have. It's well taken care off, and men who have to do manual labor don't often have hair of that length."

Lord Phantomhive shook his head in wonder. "The things women come up with. But still she has a few points. Did you think the same, Edward?"

Edward, standing next to his father, nodded. "I did father. Except for the hair, but I'm not a girl, so I wouldn't know. I'd like to add point five. He wanted to protect my sister, even though he should have known he would get blamed for it by the guards."

The Watchdog nodded, clasping his hands in front of him. "Which makes him either a clever spy, or a stupid one. Good job, Edward. But that leaves the question what we are to do with him? I can't throw him in the dungeons but I can't let a spy run loose either."

"A spy?" Undertaker inquired dryly.

"I'm not going to explain things more to you than you already know." Lord Phantomhive made clear, rubbing his thumb over the ring that stood symbol for all of his power. He considered both offenders standing in front of him, taking into account all of the evidence.
"James. Would you say this man could have defeated you if he had a mind to it?"

The tallest of the guards that were in charge of the young lady took a step forward, swallowing once. "Well, you see sir, it was me an' Patrick an'-"

"A simple yes or no would do."

James flashed his eyes to Undertaker though with considerably more fear than the young woman had. "Yes sir, I believe he would have been able to defeat us."

"And my son believes he means no harm?"

Edward shook his head. "I don't think so father."

Lord Phantomhive smiled. "Then we will put it to the test. Master Undertaker, until the moment my daughter departs for the New World you will be responsible for her wellbeing. If Edward is right about your trustworthiness then Madeleine will be a rosy-cheeked bride when fall comes. If he is wrong… well, it will be a valuable lesson for the boy."

Edward paled when he heard his sister's life depended on his judgment. At once he shot Undertaker a pleading look. The Reaper just nearly avoided shaking his head in frustration. Although he wasn't a spy, it was certainly unorthodox of him to spend time with his target. On the upside, he would at least have a decent bed to sleep in. It was a decided upgrade from the tree.

|87 Days Left|

Undertaker had to admit that life in a mansion was a decided upgrade from living in a tree for the duration of his assignment. For one, there was a steady supply of food which he could eat in relative peace in the kitchen. Then there was the single bed he could call his own while he lived here, located in the guard quarters. And the relative ease of having his job close at hand wasn't to be slighted.
The only thing that had him bored out of his skull was having to spend every waking moment with the lady Phantomhive. It had become very clear to him that women weren't supposed to actually do anything with their day other than embroidery or managing the household. Thanks to a very eager head maid even that latter job fell into a task that asked little attention.

"Master Undertaker?" Madeleine asked him sweetly, her hands folded on her back. Her hair was once again in an elaborate braid, the dress a bright morning blue. She looked far too innocent.

He looked up from the book he was reading. "What?"

"Let's make like a tree and leaf." She suggested with a wide grin.

He blinked a few times, not sure if he understood what she meant. "Trees can't leave, they are rooted to the ground."

Madeleine rolled her eyes at him, throwing her long braid back over her shoulder. "It's a pun. Leaf. Leave. Get it? It's supposed to be funny."

Undertaker closed up his book, leaning his head on one hand as he looked up at her from his chair. "You have a strange sense of humor then."

The mortal smiled at the comment, one corner of her mouth curling up. Less than a cat she now resembled a kitten more. "I've heard that before. Still, I am feeling rather bored and father said I couldn't go anywhere without you. Could you please come with me to Edward's room?"

Sighing he closed his book, placing it on a low table. He trusted there were few people in the house who were literate and with some luck staff would leave it lying there. When had the last time been he could take some time to relax? "I don't suppose you have already found a way to circumvent your father's decision?"

Her eyes narrowed in the smile, as if she was pleased by what she was seeing. Suddenly self-conscious Undertaker rubbed his cheek. Was there something on his face? The young woman took a small step closer to him. "Not yet, but I'm working on it. Do you want me to tell you, or would you rather be surprised?"

"I dislike surprises." He stated. If something surprised him at work it usually meant a huge loss of time.

Madeleine tss-ked, shaking her head. "Then you simply have never had a nice surprise. Follow me please." She started to walk, fully confident he would follow after her. "So, who sent you to spy on father?"

"Pardon?"

"We already guessed you're a spy. Just a very special one if you're working for the enemy and don't want us dead. Why else would a stranger have protected me without asking for a reward?"

Undertaker considered the idea for a moment. Of course, if he had had the simple idea of asking for a reward he wouldn't be in this mess. "Maybe I just didn't want a beautiful lady to be in trouble?"

Madeleine looked back at him in surprise, blue eyes lighting up at his words in pleasure. "Maybe. Or maybe you're a smart spy who knows how to flatter women."

Flatter women? How on earth had he flattered her? Hiding his bemusement he pushed his glasses up his nose. "Think what you must."

The woman stopped walking for a moment, nearly making him bump into her. He was over a head taller than her and his steps had been more rapid. The last thing he needed was a servant thinking he was assaulting her. "Why did you stop?"

"I'll stop asking about you being a spy for the day if I can try on your glasses." She promised him, the same quick smile passing over her face like the sun after a rainy day. She raised her hand, palm up, towards him.
"Pretty please?"

He considered the idea for a moment. "No."

|85 Days Left|

"How do they look on me?" Madeleine asked him, looking around her room for a small hand mirror. Next to her Edward was looking at his sister in a mix of admiration and surprise.

Undertaker was forced to lean towards her if he was to make her face out. Being without his glasses felt weird, things around him blurry instead of focused. It was a discomforting feeling. He stopped his advance forward when he realized he was almost too close for decency. White teeth and red lips formed a smile, a faint blush on the woman's cheeks when she saw him so close.
"They're… they look rather becoming on your face." He had to bite his tongue lest he added her visage could make anything look better. Among the Reapers being frank was expected but it seemed humans weren't often so.

"Makes you look like one of those old priests." Edward added in what he thought was a helpful comment. Madeleine giggled, grabbing her brother close to her.

"Hahhah, just imagine old father Henry in a dress like mine. Ask for penance for wicked thoughts and pray to the Lord, ho ho ho." The woman added the last sentence in what was supposed to be a lower voice. Undertaker found the corner of his mouth twitching up despite himself. At once she raised the glasses to look at him better. "That's the first time I've seen you smile, master Undertaker!"

Undertaker coughed, reaching for his glasses to hide his embarrassment. For a fleeting second the tip of his finger brushed past her cheek. This was the first time he remembered a moment passing so quickly, pressing such a deep impression in his mind. Warm, living flesh underneath his touch, blood flowing through veins thanks to a young heart. He pressed his glasses back on his nose, averting his face.

"For a bodyguard he's quite easily flustered. I'm glad you were right about him, brother." Madeleine announced, the smile audible in her voice.

Undertaker could hear young Edward move next to her, another young, living body. For now, at least. "I'm happy. Otherwise something might have happened to you."

"What are you talking about? Phantomhives always win in the end!"

|84 Days Left|

For the first time since they had spoken there was no easy smile on her face. The young lady looked thoroughly depressed, sitting in one of the cozy chairs with a pair of knitting needles and gray wool. So far she still had to make the first stitch. Undertaker thought about what he ought to do. No matter what he did, odds were he'd end up getting teased again.
"What are you fretting about?"

"Hmm?" Madeleine looked up as if she only realized he was in the same room as her. For some reason it annoyed him a little bit. Usually she treated him like some kind of toy. "I'm sorry, master Undertaker. I suppose I have been dreadful company all day. But…"
She paused, running her tongue past her lips for a moment. Undertaker followed the movement impatiently. "Near the place where we first met several girls have disappeared. It's been worrying father for a while as well. Spring is a busy season and father doesn't want the farmers to go on witch hunts hunting for the people responsible."

The words 'witch hunt' at once brought to mind how Edward would die. Still so many days to go until that event. This was the first time he would be able to see how events would lead up to a person dying without the Cinematic Record. It would be strange to watch it and find himself portrayed there as well.

As he went for a while without replying Madeleine continued her monologue. "Say, master Undertaker, what were you doing in the woods out there? As a spy you should have known that you can only gather information if you're near other people. Don't tell me you're actually a creep that was waiting to kill someone."

"Killing huma- killing other humans is forbidden. And I am not a spy." His eyebrows knitted together in frustration. No matter how often he denied it she refused to believe him, saying things like 'but that is what a spy would tell me'. He glanced at her, seeing how her expression was a perfect mirror of what he assumed his own was at the moment. Undertaker sighed. "It won't do you any good worrying about those killings. What has passed has passed and what will be, shall be. You'd do better focusing on your own business."

Madeleine glanced down on her knitting needles, a faint blush spreading on her cheeks. "I know I'm useless. I can't do anything here other than just sit around and look pretty. I'm not even allowed to follow my brother's lessons anymore. I'm a failure as a Phantomhive."

Now what was he supposed to be doing with this? He vaguely remembered Maria, one of the other Reapers, once complaining to him she felt like a failure as well. Undertaker didn't quite believe his advise about efficiency and stealth would be what the lady needed. "Surely there are some things you are good at?"

His conversation partner blinked at the question. "I suppose so… but none of it is important to my family."

The Reaper hinted his head towards her needles. "I believe that even though spring is coming I still could use a nice scarf. Could you knit me one? I'm sure you'd be quite capable at it."

It was silent in the room for a few more seconds. Then there was a soft, feminine laugh and the clicking of needles. Undertaker let out a pleased, low hum and picked up his book once more. "You also have a peculiar knack for silly jokes. Could you tell me another one?"
He didn't know why he had asked the question but the sudden smile on her face showed he had hit the mark perfectly.

"How about a riddle? Which one is faster, hot or cold?"

|80 Days Left|

Undertaker had to suppress a giggle when he tied his hair up in a pony tail. 'Hot, because you can catch a cold'. He hadn't thought such silly world plays existed in the Middle Realm but she had managed to surprise him time and again. Then he coughed, trying to regain a serious expression once more. It was harder than it had been a few days ago.

The Reaper left the simple quarters he shared with the guards. Suspicious eyes followed the stranger, exactly like how Lord Phantomhive had intended it. As the silver-haired man roamed the corridors chambermaids whispered to each other he could make out some muffled words, some flattering, some less so. Rounding a corner he encountered young Edward, the boy bumping into him with a surprised yelp.
"Pardon me, lordling. Aren't you supposed to be in some class or another?"

Edward grinned broadly, his dark hair sticking up rather messily. With a familiar air that had developed rather quickly Undertaker picked a piece of straw out of the young boy's hair. It had every appearance the boy had been spending time in the stables before this. The child showed Undertaker a letter, narrow handwriting spelling Madeleine's name.
"My sister got a letter from her fiance. I'm just going to drop it off. You should come with me, master Undertaker, before father finds out you've left her alone after her French classes had ended."

A new chuckle threatened to force a way out. Undertaker coughed instead, covering up the amused feeling that bubbled up. "You say that as if your sister might be up to something."

Edward looked up in surprise, with eyes that were just like those of his sister, only with the curiosity of a child still in them. "Well, that's because sister is always up to something. Usually she tries to figure out ways to help father, though it usually makes things worse. I think that's why he has you to keep an eye on her. She can't tell you to bugger off like she did with her chambermaids."

"Bugger off?" Undertaker chided the boy calmly.

Edward shrugged, not caring about what someone not his sister thought of the choice of words. "That's what she said at the time. She also has other ones, but I promised not to repeat them until I'm an adult." The boy cast the Reaper a sly smile, much like that of his elder sibling. "But if you continue to take good care of her, I'll consider teaching you some."

"How very gracious of you." Undertaker replied, seeing that there was more than a little family resemblance in the Phantomhive bloodline.

Once they entered Madeleine's room Undertaker was greeted by a hint of roses and jasmine as the lady rushed past him to hug her brother. He walked over to a chair, quite used by now with how the two siblings interacted, usually as if they had not seen each other in centuries. Madeleine chattered about how awful class had been - she had been forced to read a dreary novel it seemed - only to give out a scream that raised goosebumps in it's ferocity.
"He sent me a letter?"

The tone of her words suggested her fiance had sent her the Holy Grail and not a few pieces of paper scattered with ink. Undertaker shared a look of bemusement with Edward, neither of the two male specimens getting the excitement. At least, that's what Undertaker thought until Edward elaborated on the behaviour of his sister. "She's been sending letters over to the New Land at least once every week. This is the first time she's gotten one back though."

"Of course the post is unreliable. The letters have to go by boat and then be delivered to the estate he has there." Madeleine added to the explanation, ignoring the obvious judgment in her brother's words. "I'm sure he has many things to tell me about. I'll be going over there in a few seasons and I'm sure he…"

The endless stream of words faltered as her eyes flit over the paper. Undertaker observed as she went back and then looked amazed once more. Excitement left her face, replaced by an oddly blank expression as she took the other two vellums of paper. The light filtering through them showed they were more densely written than the first paper. With a sigh she tossed the papers on a low table, walking over to her closet.

The two men once more shared a look, glanced at the woman in their presence and then looked back at each other. Edward shrugged, walking over to the table. Phantomhive blue swept over the shortest letter in one fluent motion before moving on to the other two pieces of paper. Undertaker could see the man Edward could have became if he wasn't destined to die soon in that one moment, in the strong set of his jaw and still in possession of his baby fat. There was something in that stance that suggestion diamond was not the strongest material in this world.
"I shall deliver these, dear sister. Will you join me for a pick nick tomorrow?"

"If father will allow it." Madeleine replied, the same cold glint in her eyes as she located a pair of sturdy shoes. The decision seemed to have been made when Edward suggested plans for the day after because previously she had only been rummaging to keep her hands busy.

"He will."

The door was slammed shut with more force than necessary, sending the remaining piece of paper whirling on the breeze. Undertaker snipped it out of the air, holding it between his index and middle finger. He used his free hand to take his glasses of for a moment, studying them from afar. "May I?"

Madeleine's back was rigid, her stance as cold as the snow that had covered the grounds this morning. "As it contains nothing of a personal matter I see no reason to restrain you, master Undertaker."

Yeowch, that did not sound flattering. Undertaker put his glasses back on, examining the offending letter with great interest. Though the lady had been right, there was indeed nothing much written here. 'Madeleine," it started. Not even a dear in front of it.
'Though your letters are most likely written with good intentions, your father and I have already made all necessary arrangements concerning yourself. Please refrain from sending more. Enclosed to this letter are two business proposals to your father. Please see to it that he gets them. Signed by Henry Sutton.'

The Reaper loosened his collar with his finger for a moment. He had read work assignments containing more love than this flimsy excuse for a letter. No wonder the mortal was obviously wounded. "Obviously this was written by a…" what was a word that would appeal to her the most? "… a real cheese head."

"A cheese head?" Though the words had not immediately brought a smile on her face Undertaker took courage in how she settled her attention on him.

He nodded as solemnly as possible in reply. "The contents of the letter give me no room for another explanation. Only someone with a head like holey, smelly cheese would be able to be so daft."

Madeleine considered his words for a moment, an inkling of a smile dawning on her face. "What kind of smelly cheese?"

"The smelliest." Undertaker replied as earnest as possible. Though her smile did not reach that bubbly quality he had come to associate with it, it reached somehow a sweeter height. A sincerity that showed in her eyes more deeply than joy had done before that.
The young woman walked up to him, not to take the letter from his fingers but instead to sit down on the ground in between the fireplace and the chair he occupied. Her eyes thanked him as warmly as her words did and for a moment Undertaker thought he could feel a flutter in his chest.

Outside the bell tower started to ring.

|79 Days Left|

"You are having a meal on the graveyard?" Undertaker asked, leaning on his scythe. The other bodyguards eyed him suspiciously but did not venture any closer to the trio as they talked.

Edward nodded as he stuffed a sweet cake in his mouth. "Of course we do. Mother would be happiest to see us having fun instead of crying by her grave. Isn't that right, sister?"

Blue eyes flashed up to Undertaker in a glance that wasn't mere curiosity but the glowing start of friendship. "That's right. What mother would want to see us coming to cry at her grave when we can show we are happy to be together and all is well? We must enjoy it while we can."

Though the Reaper knew she was hinting towards her departure for the New Land he at once thought about Edward's death. Only when he felt the pain did he realize how firm his grip had become, turning the knuckles white around the hilt of his scythe. Yet bringing a smile to his lips was easy when he thought that at least she would survive all this. "You're right. Life is far too short for most creatures to spend it in tears."

Edward managed to surprise him by tossing him a winter apple from the bag. "You're a good one for understanding that."

"Without laughter the world would be such a sad place," Madeleine added to that, taking a bite of her own sweet cake.

Undertaker considered the apple for a moment before he took a bite. He found himself agreeing with the humans, much to his own surprise. 'How sad the world would be if laughter should ever die away.' Would be that he could freeze this single moment in time. The Reaper was woken from his reverie by Madeleine's voice asking a question.

"What steps would you take when being pursued by a bear?"

|75 Days Left|

"You are taking far too big steps for something as simple as a party," Undertaker did not hesitate to inform Madeleine of this as he peered at the grocery list without his glasses. Those were in possession of said young lady who had used them to appear 'more professional'. He hadn't the heart to tell her she was most likely frightening the servants.

Right now she peered at the Reaper over the silver rim, dark eyebrows forming a perfect frown as she looked at him. "I am taking just enough steps. This is a Phantomhive feast, not some farmer row. Everything must be in perfect shape."

"I can't help but feel you are ordering those fifty cheese heads for a different reason than entertaining your guests," Undertaker retorted, remembering the office parties the Reapers had every once in a while. They were a change of pace… which was all that could be said about it.

Without pomp she placed his glasses back on his face, sliding them up gently as she looked into his eyes. Madeleine's smile was almost too bright for him, snapped into focus in a moment that made him oddly aware of how much taller he was than her. If he would want to kiss her he'd have to-
"Can you change the order to say 'literal cheese heads'? I want them carved in a nice shape. It should be fun," Madeleine asked him, breaking off that particular train of thought.

His hopes that his thoughts had escaped her proved to be fruitless. "You always do that," she remarked.

"D-do what?!" he asked, nearly slapping himself for being so loud.

"Turn red when I come closer to you. It's very strange. It doesn't have anything to do with me saying I like your hair, does it? Because you do have gorgeous hair," she clarified, stepping closer.

Undertaker had to look down on her at this short distance. There was still a decent amount of space between them but he couldn't shake that ghostly feeling of her fingers on his face. A curiosity bloomed for the first time in his heart because here there was something the Cinematic Record had never been able to give him. To actually live those small, meaningful moments and not just be a witness. For the first time he felt the warmth in his chest at being conversed with or the cold sting of suspicion concerning his identity.
"Perhaps I blush because I am near a desirable woman," Undertaker confessed, his words nary a breath. Madeleine's eyes grew bigger but for the moment she did not retreat.

What was happening to her when he spoke those defining words? Was her heart stammering and did the knees go weak? Was somewhere in her mind an alarm going, telling her that she should run from him while she still had a chance? Did her soul react to the presence of what could be an amorous Reaper? White teeth bit on a rosy lip and Undertaker wished he could save this precious moment for eternity.

The moment slipped away from him when Madeleine took a small step back. Helpless the Reaper tasted, for the very, very first time, the bitter taste of time passed and never to be regained.

|68 Days Left|

Undertaker stood before Julius' desk, one arm wrapped around his other elbow. He tried to look as normal as possible, a feat which had been made harder due to how weak his knees felt. Was asking for a transfer weakness? Probably? Would it send the department into a spiral of confusion and extra paperwork? Most likely.
But he could not live another day with stolen glances towards Madeleine, wishing to be allowed to take her hand in his when she looked to be worried.

Not that Julius would have noticed a single moment of this inner turmoil. The dark-haired Reaper had his nose stuck in a selection of reports. "Lord Rafael asked me to compliment you on how you infiltrated the household. Of course they had a hand in it as well but the main idea came from your actions. Once this job is over you can expect a promotion."

Undertaker felt a sudden stab of resentment at the notion. He was to be rewarded for lying to the woman and her little brother? "I-"

"How's the weather down there? I could use a fresh nose myself but as you can see things are horribly busy."

"The weather is fine. Julius, I-" he thought his next words over. "Who would be in charge of the Phantomhives if not for me?"

This question did cause Julius to look up for a moment. Yellow and green fought over dominance in a gaze that seemed as solid as the foundations of Reaper society. "What an odd notion. The job is yours now. Though if you must know, I believe that Charles fellow would be in your stead. He doesn't quite have your flair for business, I must confess."

The memory of a graveyard pick nick popped in his mind, as fresh as the day he had had it. It stood out like a rose among the bleak monotonousness of his everyday life. The never-changing ticking of the clock felt like the heated breath of a bear. It would be time to take really big steps.

"Was there anything else you wanted, Undertaker?"

Undertaker smiled, twirling a strand of hair that had escaped from his pony tail around his finger. "No. Just came back to make a report."

|61 Days Left|

Of course saying he was going to take steps was something different than doing it. The past few days he had been feverishly trying to track down the demons that were the cause of the missing women. Sadly enough his heated hunt had done little in turning up actual clues. Sometimes he felt as if they were taunting him on purpose. More troublesome than that was his rising lack of sleep, since he could only venture out at night.

"Master Undertaker?" a voice, almost heavenly to his ears, called out to him. With a start the Reaper opened his eyes, raising himself up only to meet a pair of eyes he so often admired.

"Lady Phantomhive," he managed to bring out without stuttering. Dear Light, what time was it? Was there a reason for a lady to be down in the barracks at this time? Was the world coming to an end?!

Madeleine settled on a chair next to his straw bed, her thick hair falling down her left shoulder in a braid. "You are late for church, Master Undertaker. In fact, I believe that if you miss another service our good priest will start referring to you as a heathen or worse, a Catholic."

Undertaker blinked, reaching for his glasses as he tried to process the new information. "Church?" he blurted out, fumbling in an attempt to gather his emotions.

"Yes, church," Madeleine repeated after him, looking thoroughly amused. "You know, big building where people gather at least once a week to sing our Lord's praises? Which you have been skipping for the entire month you have been in town? That church?"

"I do believe I recall it now," He replied, trying to not sound surly. Death did not attend church and suggesting a Reaper should was bordering on pure madness. Then again, she didn't know so he supposed he ought to forgive her. After five more minutes of sleeping. "A good night to you, dear lady."

"No time for slackers in this castle!" Madeleine made clear, ripping away his sheets.

With a cry Undertaker shot up, thankful he was wearing undergarments or things would have gotten ridiculously awkward. "Lady Phantomhive!"

The man resisted the urge to cover himself up under her examining gaze. Though her cheeks turned a slight pink she gave no inclination she minded seeing him freshly awakened. "Call me Madeleine and I'll give you the blanket back."

Undertaker took a few deep breaths. "… Madeleine, if you would be so kind as to give me my covers back?" He could hear the guards snickering right around the corner. Apart from how he was quite certain he must appear a downright fright - his bed hair could be called legendary for all the wrong reasons - he was also extremely aware of her lack of social propriety. Even though Reapers had a strict rulebook, even among humans there must be some kind of social code.
"And please, think about your reputation. Coming in a man's bedroom without an escort can give rise to all sorts of rumors."

After his request she turned her back to him so he could get dressed, clearly miffed about his suggestion. "Please, as if you would ever lay a hand on me. People who think that just need to get their mind checked because there is no way that you-"

"Please… Madeleine. For your own safety, perhaps you should remember that I too am a man," Undertaker asked her, touching her by the elbow lightly. She turned around and suddenly he realized that he was shirtless. Her eyes traveled up and down quickly and he was sure his own complexion matched hers in this very instant. Yet she didn't cry out for help. He didn't know if that was a good thing or not.

Madeleine swallowed, clearly doing her best to only look at his eyes. "I fear I know that, master Undertaker. Just as I have realized that you are indeed no cheese head."

He chuckled despite himself. "If I must call you Madeleine, then you should call me Undertaker."

|58 Days Left|

"You look a positive fright," was the first thing he heard when he walked into Madeleine's room. Verifying the facts after looking in a mirror he realized she was in fact quite right. Instead of the prim and proper Reaper of old there was now a man that would do a better job at being a scarecrow.

Edward's raised eyebrows showed he was of the same inclination as his sister. "Perhaps sister would do best to remedy your appearance a bit, master Undertaker. At this rate a farmer might claim you to keep the birds away from his acres. Don't worry, she does my hair as well."

Realizing there was no fighting it Undertaker complied, taking a seat in one of the chairs scattered about the room. At once Madeleine stood behind him with a brush, starting the delicate process of getting his hair disentangled. "What have you been doing to end up such a mess?" She muttered behind him.

Edward lay on his sister's bed, watching the proceedings with a look he had obviously copied from his father. "Master Undertaker has been sneaking out at night and going to that specific area."

The hands in his hair paused, causing him to look behind him in consternation. "I swear I did not-"

"Of course not," Madeleine said decisively, continuing her job.

"We know you have no part in the disappearances. Even father has admitted that much now," Edward clarified as he gazed to the window on the other side of the room. It was a languid gaze, one where he did not lift his head but rested it on his hand during the conversation. "We came to the conclusion Master Undertaker is hunting for the perpetrators as well. Are you also one of his Majesty's Dogs?"

Undertaker hesitated. "I don't think of myself as a dog to anyone."

Edward closed his eyes as if that was answer enough. "Very well. But father has declared that you might take as many men as you want in your hunts for the criminal. You're also free of your duties regarding my sister should you wish it."

This time the delicious feeling of gentle hands in his hair didn't stop. Undertaker closed his eyes, enjoying the feeling of being close to someone who felt friendship towards him. "If you will have me…?"

She took the glasses from his nose, putting them on a low table. "Of course I will. Where else will I find a bodyguard with the same sense of humor?"

|50 Days Left|

Time now had the peculiar quality of standing still and hurtling ahead full force all at once. Though every day was somewhat the same his Reaper book clearly showed how many days he had left to enjoy this taste of normal life. Nothing changed on the outside but all of them were hurtling towards a gruesome fate.

He had taken to wearing his hair loose for now, partly because he enjoyed the feeling of how Madeleine would be tempted to comb it for him. Forget that partly, he thought with less embarrassment than the earlier days. He did it precisely because he knew she couldn't resist him like that. He now knew more lame jokes than any Reaper before him. The fact made him prouder than any other achievement in his life. Julius could stuff his promotion up his backside.

All he wanted was an eternity of lame jokes and wonderful laughter.

The person who was able to grant his wish was putting a last hand to his scarf, even if the warmer weather meant he didn't need it. Blue eyes looked up at him, squeezing together in the beginning of a smile. He replied, gently and with ease. Though these days lacked the varying qualities of his Reaper life they had a merit. A peace interwoven with suspense.

"You've stopped reading," Her soft voice chided him benevolently. Madeleine's request to be read 'the Canterbury Tales' had taken him by surprise - he wasn't quite sure her father would approve - but it was such a simple service he could provide her. And Chaucer had a flair for underhanded comments which he could certainly appreciate.

"You'll have to forgive me," He barely managed to keep the word 'dearest' behind his teeth. Though she had somewhat kept her distance it was still so easy to imagine he might touch her hand, the inside of her wrist, the smooth skin of her arm. Even now he knew his eyes were too hungry. "I was thinking about how strange life can be."

Madeleine didn't seem too surprised about it. "Of course you are. At least you aren't so serious anymore as when we first met. Did you come to any conclusions?"

"I don't know," he confessed. On the one hand he wanted time to stand still on those precious moments he experienced but then again, what other moments lied ahead? How much easier it would be if Madeleine were to be like him. For starters he would certainly be able to snatch her away from that Henry character.

The young lady shook her head, though not in disappointment. He stood when she rose, ready to escort her should she wish to change the scenery. Instead she wrapped the newly made scarf around his neck, the ends drooping to the ground. Her smile grew more lopsided when she watched over her work. "I thought I should make it longer since you're so tall."

"It is exactly the perfect length," he assured her, even as she knotted it together in an attempt to make it more manageable. This closeness had become so natural to the two of them. If he wished it he could reach out his hands and place them on her waist. From there the step to kissing her would be so easy… so implied Undertaker could see the motion happening without doing it.

Madeleine's warm hands stroked past his skin as she brushed his long bangs away from his face. "You really should get your hair cut. How can you see where you are going? And you're not even wearing your glasses anymore these days."

Undertaker shrugged, taking one of her hands in his own. How miraculous the human body was, the veins that transported life along with blood throughout and the lungs that gave away emotion as breath hitched. How gorgeous pale skin flaring up red underneath his touch. "I prefer it this way."
Which was true because these days she was always so close he could see her perfectly while the surroundings were a blurry haze. As long as she was in focus he could be quite content. "Would you mind a terrible deal if I were to follow you to the New World?" He could ask Julius for a transfer once the business was done. Madeleine would surely be able to use a friend after all of this.

"What are you talking about?"

"In little less than two months my work here shall be done, and I will have to leave. But I would like very much to remain your… your close friend. Your confidant. A shoulder to cry on. Anything you would request of me, I shall give to you." Except her brother's life because that was not his to give. He could give her everything save the one thing she would want most.

For such a precious second her fingers curled around his hand, her head inclined towards him an inkling. When she stepped back he gripped her hand tighter, careful not to hurt her. "Undertaker, you are my dear friend but-"

"No buts. Please," This was perfect. This position, this distance. They had evolved from their previous stance, the relationship between them a little bit deeper. How happy he was that time hadn't stopped the moment he had first wanted it to. "Let me be your dearest friend for all eternity."

Would it be Sin if he were to taste her lips? Would stealing a kiss from her be like stealing an apple from Paradise? Surely she would be much sweeter to the taste. Undertaker leaned forward, wisps of fine, silver hair curling gently on her face.

Madeleine broke away from him, averting her face as she did so. Her delicate fingers fled his grasp in the movement, leaving his hand cold. "I'm… I'm sorry. I can't."

He fell in back in his chair as she hurried away, the door slamming the sound of running footsteps away. Pressing cold fingers against the side of his face he chuckled. He had been too hasty, too eager. But it was better to laugh than to cry in this short eternity he had been granted.

|45 Days Left|

Even if laughing was better than crying, Undertaker felt things were being too far. Every time he rounded a corner thinking he would see her he did, but only her skirts as she ran away from him. Even the guards were taking a pitying laugh at him. If he heard one more person mutter 'crush' as he walked by he was sorely tempted to get his scythe out. Perhaps slicing one of the perpetrators open would give him an insight in why Madeleine was behaving the way she did.

"You're being too noisy, master Undertaker," Edward made clear. For lack of a better companion Undertaker had sought the company of the youngest Phantomhive. "As if I had not gathered you were fond of my sister. I don't need you talking about it in my presence when a fight would be in my disadvantage."

Undertaker caught the boy's glance towards his scythe and let out a wary chuckle. "I didn't realize I was that easy to see through."

"You're like a puppy, the way you dole after her. If you'll open that box there you'll see a pair of cookies father had baked for you, to show you how foolish you are," The boy sounded quite unhappy with the fact.

The Reaper opened the small box that had been indicated. Inside was a collection of cookies baked in the shape of bones. "Doggie biscuits?"

"To remind you a man mustn't degrade himself running after a woman, especially after saying he won't be a dog to anyone," Edward stated, turning back to the papers on his desk. "Father accepts that as one of the King's men he can't stop you from going after my dear sister but it won't stop him from warning you. One does not chase a Phantomhive without some risks."

The silver-haired man picked up one of the biscuits, sniffing it. "You don't sound very concerned about a man chasing your sister." Though that was very likely due to the boy not having access to all of the facts. A small pang of pity shot through Undertaker's being at the notion.

The dark-haired boy let out a happy laugh at the notion. "My dear sister won't be caught so easily. A Phantomhive never loses, master Undertaker. Be prepared to accept defeat at the hands of your presumed quarry."

Undertaker smiled as well, taking a bite of his biscuit. "Woof."

|41 Days Left|

As the days dragged on Undertaker wished he could have a taste of defeat instead of hoping he would randomly bump into Madeleine. Playing with his gray scarf he waited patiently for her to return to her room. His current hiding spot would have been impossible to maintain if he hadn't been a Reaper. When the door opened he let himself fall forward, hanging upside down in front of his dear lady.
"I just wanted to show you something humerus." He said, before she could say something.

Shocked blue eyes darted between him and the human bone he held in his hands. It was a risk to bring human body parts in the play but all was fair in love and war. And besides, thinking up good puns became harder every time she introduced a new one into the game.
The silence held on for so long he feared the plan had failed. At least until the corner of her mouth started to crinkle, quivering with suppressed laughter. Finally the tide broke. "Hahhah… hahhahahaha… hahhaha!"

Undertaker dropped down on the ground, afraid he might have gone too far in his joke. Madeleine was rubbing her eyes free of tears but every time she looked at him the laughter started anew. "I'm sorry," she hiccuped. "It's just… you looked so serious that moment. Delivering such a bad pun with such a serious face… that's just the best."

"Who do you think I learned it from?" He retorted with a sly grin.

Drawing a shaky breath his lady attempted a glare and failed horrendously. "My jokes are better than that, surely."

Deciding to take things further he pulled a stick of butter out of his sleeve, dropping the bone on the ground. The kitchens had asked him to ask her opinion of certain ingredients but that didn't mean they couldn't have some fun while doing it. "You'd butter believe it."

"Is that a stick of butter?"

"Be careful not to as-salt me in your amazement."

"Undertaker."

"I hear these are eggs-cellent, but they want your opinion."

"Undertaker!"

"All yolking aside, they do need your okay."

"That one was horrible."

"They need to know if they need to prepare for the wurst!"

"Enough!" She half-shouted from in between her laughter. "How did you manage to hide all of that in your clothes anyway?"

Undertaker juggled the eggs around, careful not to drop them. "Talent and perseverance," He kept quiet about the few eggs he'd dropped from his loose sleeves on the way over here. "And to find puns horrible enough for your tastes was a challenge in its own."

Madeleine rolled her eyes and shook her head, her braid dangling behind her. She quickly took the butter and salt from his hands, leaving him to juggle with the eggs with one hand. "You are absolutely incorrigible."

The Reaper could not resist the opportunity. Standing behind her he gently let the eggs roll on the table, his free arm draping around her waist. At once her spine stiffened, the crown of her head brushing underneath his chin. Not able to resist temptation Undertaker rested his chin on the top of her head, drawing a deep breath. "Stop avoiding me."

"I cannot," Her reply was simply but shaky. He could pinpoint the shiver running up and down her spine at his proximity. How sweet, how marvelous that everything she was co-operated in creating these reactions. He replied to her by adding his other arm around her waist, pulling her close. The mortal skin felt hot, even through all the layers of cloth between them. "I cannot give you what you want, Undertaker."

"Do you even know what I want?" He could feel her heart pounding, her knees growing weak against him. Soon he was more supporting her than restraining. If only he could see her eyes right now, with blue fire blazing from them. How could she guess what he wanted? Eternity was such a feeble concept for his feelings. He leaned in closer, bringing his mouth next to her ear.
"You, my dear lady. I want you, forever. Irrevocably, eternally and with as much laughter as we can muster."

Hot hands squeezed his, nails drawing over his skin, not in panic but in what might have been excitement. Madeleine's back pushed against his chest, sending shivers of anticipation over him. "It's impossible. I am to be married. You remember, don't you?"

His chuckle sent reverberations through her body, making her press closer. Was it just him, or had her breath grown slightly more ragged? "I remember all too well. But that doesn't mean we have to obey the rules. I could take you away from here, once my job has ended. There would only be us and a whole world to explore."
Never before had he considered breaking the rules but now it seemed so logical. The only way he could have her was by stealing her away. Once her brother had died there would be nothing binding her to her family. He would be by her side until the very end.

"I… we can't," Undertaker decided her breaths had certainly grown hotter at the feeling of him pressed against her. Perhaps he was getting a little too excited at the proximity but he was still male. Could he be blamed for reacting so honestly?

Undertaker turned her around, placing both hands around the mortals waist to make sure she would not run. The groceries lay behind her, their purpose forgotten. Her expression wasn't angry at all, quite the opposite. Pink lips had parted slightly as she continued to breathe in that seductive way. Pale skin had flushed, blood faintly visible beneath it. His eyes focused for a moment on her chest, breasts moving up and down with the movement of her simply being alive. "We can do anything, dearest."

Her lips were soft and moist, hot against him. How had he lived without this sensation? Was life even a correct term for his existence before this? Nails dug in his back, minute flashes of pain serving to illustrate this pleasurable moment even better. Hands entangled in his hair, keeping him pressed close to her, refusing to let go of him.
When he did break the contact she followed after him for a fraction of a heartbeat. Did she realize the effect she had on him, with lips slightly swollen from their contact? "Let me offer you eternity. Everything you want, I will surrender to you."

"If I go with you, I betray my family," she confessed, looking up at him. Had the Light ever expected of him he would be able to resist her?

Being as sincere as he could he pressed her hand against his chest, so she could feel his heart pounding against her palm. "If you do not come, you betray yourself. Your talents are better used paired with mine. Don't waste them in some foreign land where you are nothing but property."

"Undertaker…" Her free hand stroked his cheek.

"To my eyes there is no greater miracle than your existence, dearest Madeleine. My dear lady, all I want is your word that you'll give me a chance. If I can't make you happy in the coming month, I shall admit defeat."

"One month?"

"One month, in an attempt to gain eternity."

|37 Days Left|

"Your ears," Madeleine said decidedly, her lips slightly pouting as she tapped against the side of her cheek. With his lady love nestled in his lap, Undertaker found he had very little to complain about. Perhaps the ever-present little brother was a letdown in the blossoming relationship but he would have to accept the two of them were mostly inseparable. He suspected the little tyke was making sure Undertaker wouldn't go further than stealing a kiss.

"My ears?" The answer to his question had surprised him. He had asked what she liked best about his appearance, aside from his hair.

She smiled, leaning closer. The tips of her fingers stroked away a few fine tufts of silver. "They stick out just the tiniest bit. I think it's cute, even if you have those bits of metal stuck in them."

"Woof." Edward tried to hide the sound underneath a cough in such a way it was even more audible.

Madeleine sighed, turning away from Undertaker for a moment to look at her brother. "Don't tease him, brother. I thought you quite liked him."

"I do, sister mine. But the thought of having to share you with anyone is quite hard on me. Why, if this goes on any longer father might have to break off your engagement," Edward's eyes flitted towards the closed door. Though people rarely disturbed them there was always a chance they'd be soon.
"He doesn't want to anger someone who also works for the King. But he won't let another dog take away his daughter when it could be beneficial to the family."

Undertaker relished the feeling of Madeleine braiding his hair as she spoke. "My love for you is entirely different from how I feel about Undertaker, brother. Please don't be jealous. And Undertaker cares about you as well."

The Reaper became very aware of his scythe and book in the corner of the room. He did not want to hurt either of them but unless he found the demons… "I find myself drawn to the Phantomhive family with every passing hour."

"Good." Madeleine nuzzled her nose against him. "Now, was there something else you wanted to talk about?"

Undertaker felt Edward's gaze on the both of them. The corners of his mouth curled up in a broad smile. "Woof."

|31 Days Left|

"Why don't you just give up already?" a voice called out behind him. The scent of a demon hung heavy in the air. Undertaker turned around, seeing not just one but two of them, sitting on the roots of a tree. "It's like you're trying to make a point here, Reaper."

"Too bad you didn't bring the one with the delicious soul along," The newcomer with the bluish hair commented. "I would have liked tasting that one. And then the townspeople would have gotten even more suspicious."

"Giving up is not on the agenda. Leave this town and never come back." Undertaker replied curtly, making sure the sunlight hit his scythe perfectly. He was wearing his glasses now, not wanting to have any disadvantage when it come to the demons. His long bangs nearly covered his eyes, obstructing his view enough as it was.

The demons chuckled, exchanging looks with each other. "Didn't you get your precious paperwork, Reaper? Ol' Rafael himself asked us to make sure the brat would look guilty."

He bit the inside of his cheek, feeling the tang of blood at the intensity of the gesture. The mere thought that his superiors would allow demons to steal souls. And to what end? To discredit the Phantomhive family? To bring his lady to tears? He pointed his scythe at them, straightening his back. "Leave."

"Stop this at once." A new voice boomed from between the trees at them. Directing his gaze upwards, Undertaker spotted an angel with deep golden wings. The robe he was wearing looked decisively uncomfortable. Thanks to his time in the human world he was also able to think of at least four methods to mess with someone wearing a robe. He would have to thank Madeleine again for kindling his imagination. At least he gave the demons the appropriate foul glances.

One of the demons stuck out his tongue, waggling it back and forth. "Sca-ary. So Michael is the one that's keeping watch around here? Don't worry, we won't touch the brat."
"We might have a go at his sister however."

Undertaker gripped his scythe more firmly, knuckles turning white. "Stay away from her."

"Reaper, understand your position. All you have to do is capture the boy's soul and bring it back so it can be dealt with properly," Michael spoke with authority and displeasure.

"Is this what it all leads to? The Upper Realm making deals with demons to fulfill who knows what kind of twisted schemes? I won't have a part of it."

"You don't have a part in it. All your job entails is being a bystander."

The Reaper glanced around the faces of the gathered supernatural creatures, a sour taste in his mouth. Reaching in his pocket he found one of the doggie biscuits the castle provided him with almost daily. He popped it in his mouth, strolling off without a word. Perhaps being a bystander was no longer enough for him.

|25 Days Left|

Madeleine paced about the room, hands on her back. Although her desk was scattered in papers she ignored them, instead looking at the baker standing in the middle of the room. When Undertaker had entered she'd motioned him to take a seat. The man watched in interest.

"And you're sure that's what they're saying?"

"Every single one of them miss. Even my own kids have been picking up on the rumors. They all say young mas'r Edward was seen roaming around that spot, late at night." The woman replied, patting her skirt as she spoke. Puffs of flour swirled in the air.

"What are they playing at?" Madeleine shouted in anger, wiping papers away from the table. The white nothings flurried around the room, spreading in a matter of seconds. "Leave us," she commanded the baker before she resumed her pacing.

Moving around she bit the nail of her thumb, mumbling as she thought. Undertaker moved closer and stopped her in her tracks. Gently he cupped a cheek, tracing her heated skin. "What is the matter?"

"Someone has been trying to discredit my brother, attempting to make him look responsible for the murders." Undertaker knew that, just as well how he knew when her brother would die. Burnt at the stakes to atone for perceived sins. "But it's impossible. He has no time to go out gallivanting in the woods. He's with me every spare moment he has and if not with me, with father. There's no way he would… I mean… never… who would…"

The Reaper opened his arms, inviting her to bury her head against his shoulder. She obliged, breaking down as soon as his arms wrapped around her. Though the hushing sounds he made were enough to make her feel comforted he did not feel comfortable with his role anymore. "Madeleine… my dearest, have you considered running away until this all is over?"

"What do you mean?" she asked, her voice muffled as she pressed herself closer to his chest. He played with her braid, thinking how he had best phrase his words.

"Do you remember that man you saw on the first day we met? I'm sure you know he has something to do with this all. I've been trying to track him down but I can't stop him. But if you were able to hide your brother…" His voice trailed away. Nothing could change what was written in the Reaper books. Edward would die in 25 days. Never before had his lot in life seemed so helpless.

She shook her head, blue eyes looking up at him, still overflowing with tears. Her nose was delicate, slightly upturned, the sides glistening with tears that streamed down until they gathered in the corners of her mouth. Before she could speak, Undertaker pressed a quick kiss on that mouth, tasting salt and sweet combined.
"A Phantomhive never runs away from danger."

"Then perhaps it would be for the best if you at least let me help you as well as I can. And stay away from the forest. The men in there are even more dangerous for you than they are for other mortals," He paused, thinking about what he could tell her. "Do you believe in the Light?"

She blinked, before nodding. "Of course I believe in God, Undertaker. Why?"

"Then you must also believe that there are devils out there, waiting to take your soul. I know there are forces at work here neither of us can defeat, dearest. But that doesn't mean we can't fight. Do you trust me?" How much that look full of hope hurt him he could never describe.

"Without you, I fear my life would be quite like a broken pencil."

He grinned. "You told me that one before. Pointless."

|20 Days Left|

Undertaker feared his heart might just about leap out of his chest. It had been the day of the party that Madeleine had been preparing for days. Though he had been unable to escort her - her father might try to kill him, which would have been hilarious in its inefficiency - he had been able to admire from afar. How sad it seemed to him that a creature so splendid as she was limited to the confines of her body. Would that she could live forever.

But now the party was over, not an hour to soon. Dawn was on the verge of breaking on a day that promised to be the warmest of the season. More importantly than that, it seemed his dearest had just a tad too much to drink. Not overly much, but certain inhibitions had been lowered. If Undertaker hadn't been certain the rest of the place was snoring like drunkards he would have been more inclined to temper her more. But this was one of the few times her brother wasn't in the same room as them. Still, perhaps some restraint would have been better.

Such thoughts had quickly fled from his mind when she had pushed him on a chaise longue, gloved hands spread over his chest. Warm legs straddles his waist as she pressed wine-flavored kisses on his lips. "Good morning, beloved."

He chuckled. "You didn't go to sleep, dearest."

"That doesn't change the fact that it is morning," she replied sweetly, capturing his bottom lip between her teeth. Undertaker gasped, certain that by now there was no question how much his body was convinced about where things should evolve from here. Not that it stopped his lady. To his surprise - and delight - she pressed herself closer to that offending part of his anatomy.

He pulled her braid apart, eager to see her thick, wavy hair undone. Beneath his finger tips her heart beat, her soul bursting forth with every breath she took. How had he failed to see the miracle that was humans before this? A steadfastness that rivaled that of Reapers and in her it was coupled with the pride of the Phantomhive family.
"I adore you." He whispered to her in the early morning light.

Her fingers wiped the bangs from his eyes once more, stroking them over his head. "You're so handsome with your hair back like this. Don't ever change your haircut."

Undertaker took her hands in his, removing the gloves with his teeth before pressing kisses over the fingertips. "As my lady commands."

"Will you do anything I command?" her voice was barely a whisper, sending sudden goosebumps over his flesh.

"As long as it is immoral or wicked," he promised her with a sly smile.

Teeth gently nipped the skin below his ear, hot breath stroking over him. The sensation of a gorgeous, warm, voluptuous body over him was almost too much to bear. "Then I command you…" she pretended to think it over for a few seconds.
"I command you to ravish me."

"Your command is my fondest wish."

|7 Days Left|

Undertaker looked about for his tie, certain it had been around here somewhere. In his movements he accidentally bumped into his Reaper book. It dropped on the ground, opening on the page where he had his bookmark, pink according to the wishes of his lady. His hair drooped down in supple waves as he bent over to pick it up.

His hand stopped.

Breath hitched in his throat.

Cold sweat formed over his body.

He reread the page, and then once more just to be certain. He put on his glasses, fumbling in his haste. Certainly he had seen it wrong. But no, on that page, in fluid, gorgeous handwriting he saw spelled out his worst nightmare.

Target name : Madeleine Phantomhive.
Age : Twenty-two.
Sex : Female.
Reason for death : Exchange of equal souls.
Manner of death : burnt at the stake.

Notes : target has been accepted as apprentice angel. Upon retrieval of soul bring to Upper Realm immediately. The soul must not fall in hands of demons under any circumstance.

He rushed to the Reaper offices, dispelling all of the respect for rules he had once displayed. Undertaker stampeded through the hallways, nearly trampling over a few hapless apprentices. Ignoring the line in front of Julius's office he stormed inside, panting as he held up his book.
"What is the gods be damned meaning of this?"

Julius looked up, eyes widening at the sight of his old friend. Gone was the Reaper of yore. Immaculate pony tail had been replaced by loose-flowing hair, his glasses were nowhere to be seen and a gray scarf dangled unceremoniously around his neck. "Undertaker, what is the meaning of this?"

"I was first, Julius," Undertaker made clear, throwing his Reaper book on the table. The man glanced down, sighing.

"The girl made a contract with Lord Michael. You know he is mostly responsible for recruiting new angels. I hear his decision has caused quite a ruckus in the Upper Realm but these are indeed your new orders. Disturbing but it's not like your assignment has changed much."

Not much. The soul he had to reap had merely shifted from young and innocent Edward to the woman whose lips he had kissed merely hours before. "They can't. She wasn't supposed to die now."

Julius shrugged. "Orders are orders."

The words, once callously coming from his own mouth, now pierced a dagger in his heart. "No, they aren't just orders. Are we nothing but cogs in a machine, Julius?"

The dark-haired supervisor looked even more surprised than he had earlier. "Undertaker, are you feeling quite well? Perhaps three months was a tad too long. Let me call for one of the nurses-"

"I don't need a nurse! I need an explanation about why we go through this trouble!" Undertaker shouted, shaking a hand towards a collection of watches and files. What was the use of guiding souls if they were so easily interchangeable? Humans were all different. All souls were important. So why was Julius talking so indifferently about two of the souls Undertaker held dearest of all?

His long time friend stood up, pushing his glasses back up his nose with one finger. "Undertaker, calm down. It's nothing, just a soul."

"It's not just a soul, I love her. I love Madeleine Phantomhive and I refuse to let her die because some angels have it out for her family!"

Julius sighed. For a moment Undertaker could see movement reflected in the man's eyes but then it was too late. He was restricted by two other reapers, arms pinned behind his back. "If miss Phantomhive's father had been more careful about becoming a dog thing would have been differently. Don't worry, I'll have someone else take care of her soul. You should take some time to calm down."

|The End|

Of course he had been too late for only the tiniest second. He had fought against his bounds every single step of the way, every waking moment. He would wake up at night and resume his fight. Undertaker couldn't remember escaping other than distracting one of the guards with a doggie biscuit at one point. The second after that he had been running, making his way towards the portals.

He now fully understood how precious a second could be, even in an immortal life. Had he been faster, perhaps he could have saved her from the stakes. The fact that the Reaper book could not be changed by his hands but only by that of an angel held no meaning for him. He had been in time to hear the last of her cries. He had seen the dark smoke billowing up in the rainy sky as he stood upon the church tower. Below him the bell started tolling.

He held his hands out towards her soul, willing it towards him. Bereft of a body and mind to guide it's emotions it was hardly more than a ball of energy. Gold and white light leaked from it, bathing his hands in a warm light. But not as warm as her skin had once been. Nothing could rival the feeling of the sun that had seemingly been caught inside of her.
"My dearest… forgive me."

The ball settled in his hands without a care. He had no book to store her in, no place to offer her. She was destined to become an angel now, out of his reach forever. How bitter the taste of eternity had become. A single tear dripped down, intermingling with rain. In response to it the ball turned a silver and blue hue as if to comfort him.
"Why did you have to save your brother? I could have made you happy. I wanted to make you happy so badly."

His already blurry vision suddenly became even more clouded, tears dripping down in all honesty his body could muster. "I wanted to give you an eternity of laughter."

The ball flew up from his hands, instead gliding across his face. His tears were swept away by it but not the heavy feeling inside him. "I know… you would rather see me be merry. I never had the chance to do so many things for you."

"Reaper, we will be taking that soul now," A baritone voice called out to him. Looking up Undertaker saw an angel with deep brown wings and chestnut hair glaring at him. Rafael. "You will end this preposterous display at once."

Undertaker moved in front of the orb at once, shielding it from the hands of angels. "You will not take her from me."

Pain seared through his face, so intense he scarcely felt it the first few seconds. More pressingly he felt how gravity claimed his body, pulling him down to earth. With a sickening thud he landed in the mud. His first thought was how Madeleine would have reacted to finding his hair so dirty. Blood clouded his vision in one eye, making it harder to see than it already was.
Still there was one thing perfectly visible. A shining orb, reminding him of a happy smile and horrible puns. Despite himself he laughed. He laughed about how pitiable he was right now, how stupid he had been in the past. He laughed about how prideful humans could be and how angels had been pulling the strings all along.

But most importantly, he laughed because his beloved was an angel now. No matter how many years separated them, he would see her again. And he would make sure to greet her with the best smile she had ever seen.