A/N: Ok here is Chapter 2. I don't usually update this quickly, but I couldn't wait. : ) It may be a while until Ch. 3 as I have some decisions I have to make in writing. If you have any escapades you'd like to see with little Stella, leave a review and I'll give them some thought! Feedback is appreciated! (Oh, and if anyone's seen the musical, and Grell's lovely R-Rated ensemble...yeah, that's what I had in mind. XD)

The next hour went by in a red whirlwind. Upon returning home, Grell immediately went to the kitchen to warm up a bottle. What was a Grim Reaper doing with baby bottles, among other necessities for an infant? "Just in case," would most likely be the answer. "It's best to be prepared!"

After stoking a small blaze in the fireplace, Grell sat down at last with Stella and the bottle, gently holding it to her lips. She fussed a bit, not immediately willing to accept it.

"I know, precious, but this is the best Mummy could do," Grell whispered gently. "Come now, you need to eat."

After a bit more coaxing, Stella finally accepted, slowly at first and then more insistent as she grew accustomed to the strange device.

"That's it, good girl!" Grell said proudly, softly kissing her forehead. "Isn't that better? No more hungry tummies, right?"

Stella was such a delight to watch, and Grell lost himself in the vision. Holding a baby, his baby, in his arms, it felt like a dream come true. As she suckled the bottle, her eyes took in her new surroundings with innocent wonder. But they would always return to the red Reaper, her tiny hand reaching up to him. At one point, she succeeded in grabbing the chain of his glasses. But all it took to put an end to that was replacing it with his finger, which she gripped in a surprisingly strong hold.

The bottle was empty a while later, and Grell put it aside as he lifted her carefully to his shoulder to relieve her. Once he had the desired results, he snuggled her in his arms again. Stella's eyes fluttered and she yawned adorably.

"It's alright, get some sleep," Grell encouraged, rising from his seat to bring her upstairs. As she slept against him, he dragged a small cradle into a spare room he had kept for just this occasion. He was determined to decorate it more for a baby girl, in every shade of red, of course! But for now, she'd be comfortable for the night. Covering her with her blanket, he leaned down to kiss her cheek.

"Good night, my Stella; sweet dreams," he said softly, dousing the lamp and leaving the door cracked open a smidge.

Now, to the final difficult piece of the puzzle: William. Ronald had said he was out on a late reaping, and just this once, Grell was grateful for it. His mind was racing with thoughts on how to tell him in such a way that the unyielding Reaper would have no choice but to let Grell keep the baby. What to do, what to do…

oOo

"We appreciate your help, Mr. Spears. It's good to know that deskwork hasn't hindered your abilities. You're still one of the finest additions the Dispatch has to offer."

William T. Spears never let his stoic expression falter, but he stood a bit taller at the praise of his superior. "Thank you, sir," he said with a small bow of respect.

He looked back at the large building, still ablaze in flames. There was nothing more the Reapers could do. All the souls had been collected effortlessly, as no stray Demons lurked about the area. Nonetheless, he liked to make sure.

"Is there anything else I can assist with?"

The older Reaper shook his head. "No, we're done here; go home and get some sleep. You'll need your rest for tomorrow. The paperwork won't be a walk in the park."

William's eyebrow twitched at the thought, but he nodded. "In that case, good night."

Normally William wouldn't object to a nice walk before heading home. The night was pleasantly cool, and after being so close to a raging fire, the chill was welcome. But materialization travel was faster, and he wanted nothing more than to change and slip into his comfortable bed. God willing, Grell wouldn't be…insistently needy tonight. If he was…

William's hand tightened around his trusted scythe. It wouldn't leave his side until he was sure that Grell was fast asleep and not on the prowl. Their…relationship still felt new, made official after a century of knowing one another. But William wasn't sure if he would ever get used to it. As much as he cared for Grell, the flamboyant red-head's lack of work ethic (or any ethics) continued to cause unneeded stress and infuriation. If Grell wasn't so brilliant at his job when he set his mind to it, William would've dismissed him ages ago. But his division was already short-handed and overworked; losing anyone else would make assignments more difficult. Thus, between his adoration and frustration, William kept Grell on staff and considered it a miracle that he had any sanity left at all.

Making sure no one could see him, William leapt to the rooftops, breathing in the rush of air and enjoying the coolness on his skin, before materializing back to the Realm. In seconds, he was at the stone walk of his home, a welcome sight indeed.

What I wouldn't give for a day off, he thought with a sigh, taking delight in the sound of the door clicking shut. But the "snap!" of the lock led to the one thing he both loved and feared.

"Hello~ Will~."

William's eyes shut tight as he tried to keep his composure. He turned, but walked right into his lover's embrace. "Not tonight."

Grell pouted, his bottom lip protruding a bit too much to be called 'genuine.' "All I did was say hello," he murmured sweetly, his arms tightening around William's neck as he leaned in to steal a kiss. Thankfully, William knew most of Grell's basic tricks by now and ducked out of the way, allowing the door to become acquainted with his lover instead.

Grell scowled, but didn't admit defeat. Leaning against the door, a sultry look on his face, he purred "Can't a lady welcome her man home from work?"

Taking a seat in his chair, William pinched the bridge of his nose to ward off a headache. "If I was greeted by one, I might be inclined to agree. But you are certainly not acting like one." He gestured to Grell's favorite red lingerie that he used in his seductive escapades. "A lady wouldn't be caught dead or alive wearing…that. Honestly, I've told you before. That frilly nonsense only succeeds in making you look utterly ridiculous."

"So cold, Will, oh so cold," Grell retaliated, switching tactics. He moved behind the chair, running his hands over the man's shoulders. "But who can blame you? Working so hard…for so long…"

Blast it, now that was…pleasant. William tried to fight it, but Grell's feminine hands had continued up to his neck, and he felt a light kiss at his temple. An appreciative groan escaped his lips, thoroughly betraying him when Grell hit a particularly tense spot.

"Damn you," he growled, a light blush tinting his cheeks.

Grell giggled softly, once again wrapping his arms around William, this time from behind and nuzzling his cheek. "Come upstairs with me, darling?" he whispered in his ear, very lightly nipping it. "Pretty please?"

"Grell…"

"Please?"

William sighed, his voice strained. "I already told you, not tonight. I'm exhausted, and I only have a few hours to devote to sleep."

Grell whimpered, snuggling his cheek against William's shoulder. "But Will~! I haven't seen you all day!"

William turned his head slightly, meeting the sad eyes of his lover. "I can give you an hour, but no funny business," he warned. "Go change into something more appropriate. I'll put another log on the fire and pour us both a glass of wine. I could use one." William kissed him chastely to not encourage his usual behavior. "Will that do?"

Grell smiled, enjoying the rare sweetness. "Deal," he agreed. "I do have something to discuss with you, actually."

"Oh?"

"Mmm-hmm." Grell gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "I'll be right back; don't miss me too much."

William rolled his eyes, stretching as he stood and headed to the kitchen. He pulled a bottle of Cabernet from the cabinet along with two wine glasses. One of which…had a small speck on it. He sighed in annoyance. Grell may not have been housewife material, but honestly, cleaning a glass was not difficult.

Placing the bottle and the other glass on the table, he brought the offending glass to the sink…where he found a bottle of a different kind. One of those baby bottles Grell foolishly kept in the house. What on earth was that doing in the sink? William picked it up, examining it closely. It looked…recently used, to say the least. His eyes narrowed, William looked at the ceiling as if he could glare at Grell Sutcliff right through it. He took a few steps towards the kitchen entrance, listening closely as he heard the red-head shuffling about upstairs. If he was changing, he should be in their bedroom…not across the hall.

As the steps came closer to the staircase, William returned to the table and poured his glass of wine.

"Will~? I'm waiting!"

Pocketing the baby bottle, he took his glass and rejoined Grell.

"Patience is a virtue that you would be wise to learn."

Grell smirked. "I never was a virtuous woman, and last I knew, you certainly didn't mind that." He then noticed the solitary glass, and the smirk broadened. "Ooh, Will…are we going to share it?"

"No."

Grell's brow furrowed some in confusion. "Then…?"

"It's mine." William took the baby bottle from his pocket, a frown marring his handsome features. "This is yours."

Grell paled momentarily, but he laughed to cover it. "Y-yes, of course it is! You already know I had a few of these lying around!"

"None of which were ever used," William interrupted, advancing on him. "You keep these in pristine condition, disturbingly so. There wouldn't be milk in one of them without a reason."

Grell slowly backed away. "Now, Will, I can explain…"

"Indeed, right now would be a good time to start,Sutcliff."

Grell cringed as his back met the wall. "Well, uh…remember that itsy bitsy thing I wanted to talk to you about? This…might have something to do with it."

"Grell…"

Grell pressed a finger to his lips to silence him. "Wait right here."

William watched as he headed up the stairs, and then moved to his chair. This wasn't boding well, and an insistent inner-voice told him that he should be seated for this one. But he couldn't get comfortable, unnerved by what he feared Grell had done.

"Will?"

Oh no, Grell's voice was meek, a common tone when he had done something wrong. William took a deep breath before he turned. What he saw froze him in place, his fears justified.

"Tell me that isn't what I think it is," he said, using every bit of strength to keep his emotions in check.

Grell bit his lip and smiled weakly. "Uh…it's a girl?"

He stepped forward to let his lover see the bundle in his arms. But as he approached, William jumped from his seat and took a few steps back. Grell gulped nervously. "Her name is Stella; don't you want to see her?" Silence. "Will, please say something, anything."

"Where did it come from?"

"She," Grell angrily emphasized, "belonged to my last assignment tonight."

William stared at him blankly. "You took a human child – just like that – and brought it here?"

"That's right."

William stuttered a bit, shaking his head. "Have you…completely lost your mind?"

"Will, please…"

"No!" William snapped. "I know you have your…eccentricities, Grell Sutcliff. I have come to accept them, even defended them to an extremely high degree. But this time, you've gone too far. What were you thinking, takinga baby for your own personal gain, without even thinking of the consequences!"

"She doesn't have anyone else!" Grell retorted. "I had to do something to help her!"

"And you think that raising her in a realm completely unnatural to her kind is going to be beneficial to her!"

"I'll make it work! Don't be so unreasonable!"

William scoffed. "Me? I'm being unreasonable?"

"Yes! Don't you understand? This is my chance! I can take care of her, and she needs a mother!"

"Then find her one because I don't see a woman here!"

It was out of his mouth before he could stop himself, and William regretted it instantly. There was no greater way to hurt Grell Sutcliff than to remind him of that single fact that he wasn't physically female. Grell's eyes narrowed dangerously. The only sound in the room was the baby crying, and Grell forced his attention on her in an effort to calm himself as well.

"Grell," William said softly, reaching for him. "I didn't mean…"

Grell smacked the unwelcome affection away. "Do not touch me, William," he growled, dark and dangerously low.

William tried to speak again, but Grell would have none of it. The red Reaper blazed up the stairs in a fury, desperately attempting to soothe the infant. William started after him on instinct, but quickly halted. To approach Grell now would be suicide. Thus, William sunk into his chair, head in his hands, and waited long into the night.

William awoke in the same chair a few hours later. A short time before he had to prepare for work, he noted with a groan. He blinked a bit, trying to focus, but his eyes fell on the stairs. Memories from earlier flooded back to him, and made his stomach churn in the process. He had to settle this now, lest his mind remain distracted. There was no telling what Grell would do in an angered state. He was unpredictable like that, and William couldn't spend his day fearing for the lives of the general public.

Climbing the stairs two by two, William looked into the bedroom, but frowned not seeing Grell inside. However, a creaky floorboard across the hall gave away his true location. Opening the other door, the corner of William's mouth twitched, the closest he normally came to a smile. Grell was sound asleep on the floor next to the cradle, and inside that, of course, was the baby…Stella, he called her?

William walked closer, not making a sound. He took a moment to tuck Grell's blanket more comfortably around him, and then peered into the cradle. Stella was beginning to stir, and for a split second, William panicked. The last thing he needed was the child bawling and Grell accusing him of causing her distress.

But…no tears came. Stella fussed, but she didn't cry. William watched with curiosity as she reached for him, babbling. Completely inexperienced with infants, he did the best he could to silence her.

"Shh, hush now," he insisted softly. "Please, quiet down."

But Stella didn't stop, and now tears threatened to fall when she wasn't getting the preferred attention. Honestly, she is already picking up Grell's habits, William thought, briefly shaking his head. But with a nervous gulp, he leaned down to awkwardly pick her up.

"Forgive me if this is uncomfortable. I'm not quite accustomed to children."

He held the baby out in front of him, one hand supporting her back, the other her head. "There we are; how is that?"

She waved her arms at him, cooing and babbling, and for the first time in ages, William openly smiled. "Hmm, I suppose you are rather adorable, I'll give you that."

"She's not made of glass," Grell said suddenly, his voice hoarse from waking up. "You won't break her just by touching her."

William blushed upon being seen. "Uh, I…I know that."

Grell stood up, holding out his arms. "Give her to me," he said solemnly, never a tone that suited him. "She's probably hungry."

William did so without question. "How do you-?"

"Maternal instinct," Grell interrupted. "Men can feel it too."

With that, he turned on his bare heel and left the room. William wasted no time in following, but he didn't approach right away. He watched with intrigue as Grell went about preparing another bottle, speaking softly to the infant to pass the time. It was extraordinary, really, as though Grell had done this his whole life. The only other time William had seen Grell this genuine and honest was…the night they had first joined as a couple.

Grell froze for a moment, not expecting to see him standing in the doorway. But once the bottle was ready, he angrily brushed passed William and settled on the couch to feed Stella, not saying a word.

William swallowed heavily, going to his chair. "If only…you could be as diligent about your paperwork…"

The only reply was an angry glare. This was no time for jests.

"Grell, please…I apologize. I should not have said what I did."

"It was completely uncalled for," Grell snarled, finally looking at him with tears welling up in his eyes. "I'm not crazy, Will. I know what I am, and how I feel. Aside from you, I've never wanted anything as much as this, to know what it's like to be a mother. It means the world to me, and this may be my only chance." He sniffed, his voice cracking. "She needs me…and I need her."

"I understand, really," William replied softly, kindly. "But we must be realistic about this. She doesn't belong here. This isn't a doll, Grell; she is Human. Put yourself in her position: not having any other children to play with, feeling out of place…not understanding why she's growing older but her mother isn't. She needs more than what we can give her."

Grell sobbed quietly, tears rolling down his cheeks. He shook his head. "Will…please…don't take her away from me."

William adjusted his glasses with a sigh, thinking this through. They couldn't keep her; that much was certain. But Grell wouldn't give in without a fight when he had something he truly wanted.

Look at yourself, he thought, he didn't give up on you. It took him a century, but he succeeded.

…no, he had to be logical about this. At least in their case, William and Grell were of the same kind. They could be immortal together for as long as they wanted. That didn't apply this time. But…maybe…

William took a deep breath. "All right, you win…"

Grell said nothing at first, but then asked hesitantly, "Say what?"

"For now…you win," William repeated begrudgingly. "We can keep her-"

"Oh, Will~!" Grell cried, shifting some to face him. "You mean it!"

"Let me finish!" William said impatiently, and Grell's lips sealed shut. "We can keep her here on a proverbial probation period. This will not be permanent, do you understand? We have to find her a suitable home amongst Humans when she is older. But, for a while at least, you can keep her. This is when a baby needs a mother the most, after all."

Grell frowned. "What is this, a science experiment? Give a child a puppy and then take it away when the bond is strongest?"

"I have only the child's best interest at heart, I assure you," William replied. Standing firm, he concluded, "That is my condition, Grell. Take it or leave it."

The red Reaper wasn't entirely happy with the idea. But if it meant he could keep Stella, he would agree to anything. Besides, Will did say 'when she is older.' He didn't specify any particular age. It could be years! Who knows what would happen in that time? He had seen Will with her earlier; he was starting to fall for her already!

Grell smiled, racing towards his lover and sliding into his lap. Gently, for Stella's sake, he pulled William into a one-armed embrace and kissed him softly.

"I'll take it," he murmured, before breaking into a joyous fit of giggles. "Thank you, Will! Thank you so much! You won't regret this!"

"Hmph," William grumbled. "Now, if you can let me up, I need to get ready for work." He briefly paused before adding, "You can stay home with the baby, just this once. I have seen today's list. Work will be slow, and we can manage."

Grell squealed delightedly, hugging him tightly again. It is a good thing that we don't necessarily have to breathe, William thought with a scowl.

"Did you hear that Stella?" Grell cooed, carrying her upstairs to change. "You have an entire day with Mummy, all to yourself, since Papa's the most amazing man in the world!"

"Don't press your luck, Grell Sutcliff!" William called. "I'm not her father!"

"We've got to do what's best for Stella, Will~! She needs a mama and a papa!"

William sighed, as he felt another headache coming on. "Honestly…"

More to come!