Chapter Two

Ronald looked at the mess of metal that used to be his scythe. A demon had snuck up on him while he was reaping. While he was able to get away without a scratch, his scythe wasn't so lucky. "Damn it. Repairs are gonna cost a fortune." He frowned, trying to make sense of the contraption. "Maybe I can pass it off as…art? Call it, the not so indestructible scythe." He looked at the doors that led into the death scythe department. At least he'd be able to meet the woman he wanted to charm again.

Taking, what he presumed was the handle of his scythe; he entered the department, his boyish smile in place, eyes glittering with just the right about of flirt and charm. He waved to most of the ladies on staff until he came to one till. He set his scythe down and leaned on the ledge, ringing the small bell. "Oh, Miss Windfalls~" he sang.

A second later, a young lady with black hair pulled over her shoulder appeared at the till, her smile bright, eyes, though matching theirs, held sincere happiness, dark blue frames sitting upon her nose, her female uniform consisting of black heels, a black skirt, black suit jacket over a white dress shirt, the collar of the shirt pulled over the collar of the black jacket. "Good morning Mister Knox. What can I do for you this fine day?"

"Well, I've got another scythe repair request."

"What's wrong with it this time?"

Ronald looked at his scythe, before giving her a sheepish smile. "Um…it doesn't look like a scythe."

"Pardon?" he lifted it onto the counter between them. "Ronald Knox!" she stared at it, trying to make sense of the machine. "What…what…what happened?"

"Kinda had a run in with a demon."

"Kinda? It's…destroyed!"

"…yeah."

She shook her head, pulling the scythe through to her side then setting it down. "I can't guarantee we'll have it ready for you for some time, considering the damage, but I'll try to fit it in."

"Great thanks." He rubbed the back of his head. "So, ah, can this go on my freebie list?"

She crossed her arms. "Ronald. I'd love too but Mister Spears is catching on. He already came down last month to question why I was short in business. If he finds out I've been giving you freebies, he won't be pleased."

"Just one last time? I don't have any coin ta give ya right now."

"Ronald, please don't make this difficult."

Ronald really had nothing to give her so he searched around for someone when he caught sight of Eric getting his scythe looked at. "Eric-senpai!" he called, waving his hand.

Eric looked up, nodded to Ronald, said something to who he was working with then approached them, scythe resting on his shoulder. "Knoxy, Thea." He winked at her, Thea giving him a polite smile. "What can I do fer ya?"

"Um, well, I need your help."

"With what?"

"Payin'. I got no coin and I know you normally have some lying around on you."

Eric eyed the young blonde. "Ya called me over, fer me coin?"

"Yeah."

Eric turned to Thea. "Can ya believe this kid?"

She laughed. "Nope."

"Right, so what's the damage?" Thea lifted the scythe and Eric's eyes flew wide before they slowly trailed to Ronald, the blonde avoiding eye contact, eyes focused more on the ceiling then the two he was speaking with. "What the bloody fuck did you do?"

"Nothin'." He looked down, knocking his toes against the floor. "Just, ah, had a run in with a demon."

"A demon? I'd say it was hit by a bloody train." He sighed, digging through his pockets before pulling out a few coins. "How much will this cover?"

Thea took the coins, counting them. "I'd say, half."

Ronald frowned. "You sure you don't have anymore?"

"That's all I get before me next paycheck."

Thea leaned forward. "It's half, Ronald. You only need to make up the other half."

"Thanks anyway Eric." The younger blonde said then his eyes fell to Eric's scythe, seeing it was in pristine condition. "What's wrong with yours?"

Eric looked at his scythe. "Nothin'. Just wanted ta see if I could sharpen it." He swung his scythe through the air. "Ya know, make it easier ta cut through flesh and demons."

"Of course." He turned back to Thea. "How 'bout this. You take half the pay now, fix up my scythe and when I get paid at the end of the month, I promise to pay the rest."

"Can I trust you on that?"

Ronald put a hand to his chest, raising his other one. "I swear on my soul."

"Shake on it?" she asked, extending her hand.

"Promise." He said, shaking her hand.

"Alright then." She lifted the scythe. "Don't break it."

"I won't."

"Then you're going to have to explain to Mister Spears why you can't reap unless you want me to show him the scythe."

Ronald paled. "…no. No, don't you dare. He'll kill me for not taking care of my scythe."

Eric chuckled. "Ah Knoxy. Yer gonna have ta come up with a good excuse then and not a half assed one either."

"I will as long as you don't show him the scythe." He folded is hands together, bringing them before his lips. "Please Thea. Don't show him."

She laughed. "I was teasing. Of course I won't." a large sigh of relief left Ronald's lips. "Now, I'm going to go and try to fit this in somewhere."

"Right, thanks." She nodded, smiled to Eric then left. "Well, help me think of an excuse." Ronald said as he and Eric exited the department. Ronald knew it had to be good or William would demand why he couldn't reap then he'd have to show William his scythe and either get reprimanded or thrown into permanent overtime for the damage done.

"Hey, I paid part of your bill. You think of your own excuse." Though Eric did slid his arm around Ronald's shoulders. "On a different note, that the lady you got yer eye on?"

Ronald nodded. "Yep. Pretty, ain't she?"

"Right doll she is. I'd say good luck with her, but Knoxy's got everythin' covered, don't he?"

"Yep." He tugged at the lapels of his suit jacket. "Leave it to me to get her heart."

"I'd be careful with that attitude."

"Why?"

"Can easily bring downfall."

"How'd you know?"

"'ve seen it happen. Just dun want ya ta fall into heartbreak is all." He squeezed Ronald's shoulder affectionately. "Now, I gotta find Al and check our reapin' lists. Have fun with yer reapin' situation."

Ronald sighed, but squared his shoulders. He was going to march to William's office and give him the best excuse William ever heard, he just needed to find an excuse first.

As he thought, walking through the Library, he came across a strange sight. Grell was sitting down with a flower in hand, pick the petals, playing the game mortals did when they tried to think someone loved them, but for Grell, there wasn't a "He loves me not". All of it was, "He loves me, he really loves me. He loves me, he really loves me." And it wasn't just one flower. He had a bunch set beside him. "Um, Grell? What are ya doin'?"

Ronald squeaked when Grell threw his arms around him, pulling Ronald onto his lap, holding him like a mother did with her child, running well-manicured nails through his hair. "Little Ronnie, I was seeing how in love I am."

"Great, ah, can you let me-"

"Have you ever been in love?"

"…I guess. I might be."

"Then does your heart flutter whenever their around? Do your knees go weak? Is all you think about is them?"

"Don't think it's gotten that far y-"

"Then you have no idea how I feel." He hugged Ronald tight, pressing the blonde's ear to his chest. "Can you heart the thumping of my heart?"

"Yes…?"

He suddenly stood, sending Ronald to the floor as he twirled round, holding a new flower in his hands. "Then see it in my eyes how the one I loved as finally returned to me!" he opened his arms, capturing his true love when Alan was the poor soul to become trapped. "Forever I was kept in darkness, always throwing my love to him only for it to be denied until last night when he came to me with open arms!" His hands roamed Alan's shoulders, then reaching up to place the flower behind Alan's ear. "He told me all I wished to hear and more. He said I was his Juliet, that our love was mutual." He touched Alan's lips. "His lips were so soft and warm, just as I dreamt they'd be."

Alan blinked, his eyebrows both raised at the way Grell acted. He struggled to break free, but Grell's arms were tight and refused to let him go. He kept pushing until he was suddenly released causing him to stumbled back, his back hitting the wall and Grell continued to swirl and spout romantic nonsense; it ended up getting a scene as reapers circled Grell to see what he was on about.

Alan removed the flower from behind his ear. He wasn't quite sure why Grell was acting this way, so he moved to Ronald to find out. "Is he alright?"

Ronald shrugged, still on the floor. "Dunno. I think he's finally gone bonkers."

"More so then he is already?"

"Yep." He lifted his hand. "Help?" Alan took Ronald's hand, hefting him up. "Thanks." Alan turned back to Grell; both of them watching him continue to dance about. "Someone finally came out."

Alan nodded as he looked at the flower he held. He turned to Ronald, placing it in the blonde's hair. "Pretty."

Ronald slowly turned to him, blinking. "Pretty?"

Alan smiled. "It's a pretty flower."

Ronald rolled his eyes, removing the item from his hair then twirling it in his fingers. "It's the same color as Thea's glasses."

"She's the woman I saw you with right?"

"Yep!"

"Well she's pretty and I wish you luck in trying to court her."

"Thanks."

"Darlings!" both of them were suddenly pulled into Grell's embrace. "And one day you two will find your Juliet's."

"Right." Alan looked over to Ronald. "Mister Spears probably-"

"I did no such thing Humphries." William came from behind Grell, rescuing the two younger reapers as he yanked Grell from them. "Sutcliffe, what are you doing? Decreasing work efficiency again it seems."

Grell pawed at William's chest, trying to slither closer to him. "But darling, I was only trying to spread love."

"Come with me." His grip in Grell's hair tightened and he dragged the red head to his office, ignoring the protests until he threw Grell inside, slamming the door. "Now tell me of this Romeo." He demanded.

Grell pouted, rubbing his head. "That's not nice Will. You should be kinder to a woman."

"I would to a lady, yes. Now who is this Romeo?"

Grell was about to retort about the insult of him not being a lady, but William's question clicked. "Why? Is Will jealous I found someone?" he crawled to William then sat on his knees, hugging William around his waist.

"Tch, of course not." he said, kicking Grell from him. "I simply want to know who you are fawning over."

Grell shrugged. "Just, someone who's returned." He said as he stood, brushing off his clothes.

"Would it happen to be the demon?"

Grell smiled, twirling his hair around his finger. "Maybe." He sauntered to William, pawing at his chest again. "Maybe a reward for being a good little girl if I tell you would be nice."

"Tell me and I'll think about your reward."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Oooh! Oh, yes Will! It was Sebby. He's returned. We shared such a passionate night all for bringing him to our realm! Now, give this little lady a kiss as her reward." He closed his eyes, leaning forward, lips puckered.

"No." he opened the door and threw Grell out, slamming the door after the red head. He returned to his desk, teeth clenched, eyes fuming as he stared at his hand. It was Grell's doing that got Sebastian here. It was Grell's fault he was contracted! The sudden urge to strange Grell washed over him, but he tried his best to keep his composure. With the Council Representative coming in a few days, he really couldn't be thinking about the book. He had to focus on getting a good review. He couldn't waste time but on the other hand, Sebastian had said if he didn't, Sebastian would ruin what he built up. He'd destroy everything he held close. "Damn it all."

"Damn it all? I wasn't aware you hated paperwork to that extent."

William looked up to greet Alan. Alan…he couldn't help but run an option through his mind. Would Alan help him if he asked for it? A few times, Alan was compared to William with his good work ethic, but would he really help William break the rules? Would he really help William when he was contracted to a demon as just the other day he scolded Alan for that very thing. No. He had to do this alone. "I'm sorry Humphries. My mind is in other places this morn." He cleared his throat, folding his hands on top the desk. "Now, what may I help you with?"

"Our death lists would be nice. You've yet to hand them out."

"Ah, my apology." He said, gathering lists into a stack then passing them to Alan. "Thank your for retrieving them from me."

"You're welcome sir." He nodded then left the office, checking over the names on his death list.

"Found ya!"

Alan looked up to the familiar voice, giving his reaping partner a smile. "It seems you did." He said as he passed Eric his list then noticed the blonde came alone. "Where are Grell and Ronald? I have there's as well."

"Yeah, ah, Ron won't be reapin'."

Alan paused. "Why-he got his scythe jammed again, didn't he?"

"Ah, you could say that."

Sighing, Alan pushed up his glasses. "Honestly."

"Don't. Do that."

"Do what?"

"Push up yer glasses and say 'honestly'. It's too Spears."

Alan laughed. "I didn't realize I did that, but Ronald has to be more careful."

"He's a rowdy teenager. Give 'im a break."

"I suppose." He looked at Ronald's list before shoving it into Eric's chest. "If he's so rowdy, then why doesn't his Eric senpai take it?"

"…seriously?"

"Yes."

Grumbling, Eric took Ronald's list, sliding it under his arm with his own. "Maybe the kid should be more responsible."

The rest of the day, for the lot of them, continued as normal, but for William, he wasn't sure if any day could be normal anymore with the mark on his hands constantly eating at him. He needed to get rid of it, but he needed to get the book that was under high security. He was thinking of cutting his entire hand off, but that would just cause more questions and suspicion then it was worth.

There seemed to be only thing he could do at this moment and he normally did so when he was far too stressed from work. When the time to clock out for the other reapers hit, William would make sure everyone was in their offices, before leaving his to enter mortal London for a walk to stretch his legs. The night breeze helped calm his frayed nerves, ease the tension in his muscles and almost make him relax. He always did love the nights in London. "Taking a break, Mister Spears?"

All tension raced back to William's muscles at the voice. He turned to glare at the demon that decided to walk beside him. "I am. Is that alright? Do I have to ask for permission?"

"No, but I am concerned you are not trying to get the book."

"I'm doing all I can from where I am."

"Mm. At this rate, you'll never retrieve it." He eyed the reaper, a sly smile appearing on his lips. "Unless you manipulate the Council Representative that is coming."

"I would never do such thing."

"Then shall I intervene?"

William glared. "…I can't manipulate, but perhaps I can work something out."

"Wonderful."

William scowled. There was silence for a minute or so. "Now Grell knows your back."

Sebastian frowned, looking up to the moon. "We all must make sacrifices to get what we want."

"You have made no such things. I am the one making sacrifices." He sighed. "Don't you think that will cause some concern?"

"Grell will keep his mouth shut. I will make sure of it."

"You didn't tell him about this, did you?" he pointed to his hand.

"Of course not. I'm not an idiot. I know that thing would tell everyone ruining the both of us."

William crossed his arms. "I beg to differ." He bowed his head. "Nonetheless, are you going to keep checking up on me?"

"Yes."

"I'm no child. I do not need you watching me."

"I know you are no child as I deal with one every day. I simply want to make sure this contract is as short as possible and you are the only who can do that."

William turned to speak to the demon but of course he was gone. He rubbed his hand over his eyes, drowsiness washing over him. Perhaps, for tonight, he didn't need to worry about overtime or paperwork. He had a special guest coming soon and he needed his full energy to make a good impression. Thus, he left mortal London and returned to the Library. He headed to his office then entered the bedroom attached to the main office. He closed the door, locked it then fell on his bed, for once getting a restful night of sleep.