I yawned again as William looked me over, as if dreading what he was going to say next. He opened his mouth but nothing came out. I waited several moments, only to be shocked awake by his final statement. "You shall stay in my town house, at least just for tonight."

My head slipped off my palm as I jerked up. "I-I could just sneak out the front door." I suggested, but he seemed to be set in the decision. "I don't want to be a nuisance, or cause people to talk...having someone like me in your home and all". I stumbled over my words. What impropriety! And yet... it seemed to intrigue me even more.

He adjusted his glasses; it seemed to me a nervous habit of his. "No, no don't make me second guess my decision." He said it as if I had no say in the matter whatsoever. "Shinigami rarely use their houses, it's more of a requirement that few reapers take advantage of." He sighed and offered his hand to help me up. "Also the dispatch society bought an entire block of houses for all of us, that way we wouldn't have "curious neighbors" lurking about and asking questions. I'll also be able to make sure you're safe while you heal up."

I nodded and took his hand, stepping up and flattening down my dress, trying to fix the frayed edges of the 5 inch hole Grell had left with his chainsaw.

trying to fix the frayed edges of the 5 inch hole Grell had left with his chainsaw.

"Oh my, I can't let you go around with a hole that size. I'll have to get you a new one." He sighed and opened the door leaving the stair well and leading back into the lobby with bustling reapers coming and going non-stop.

"Oh Mr. Spears no, I couldn't let you buy me a new dress. That's too, much really!" I pleaded as I walked behind him. He turned to face me and it startled me as he spoke blank faced, with an eye twitch of annoyance.

"Then I only have one other option." He groaned slightly, and I was not prepared for what followed.

"Boss man! Welcome to my little corner of the world!" We entered his office and closed the door behind us. The infamous Ronald Knox kicked his feet up on his desk, hands behind his head in a relaxed, laid back position. He smiled his crooked grin at me, not paying much attention to William. "I knew you'd come back to me, sweet thing, but I never thought it would be this soon."

William scoffed and rolled his eyes before replying, "She's not here for your poor company, Mr. Knox. I..uhh, we need a favor, and unfortunately couldn't think of anyone else."

Ron nodded, still smiling. "Well then, what service can I help you two with? must be good, if Spears is asking for help".

Will groaned, standing rigid and adjusting his glasses. "It seems Theodora has ripped her dress in a very inappropriate way and requires a new one..." I lowered the arm I was using to cover my torn bodice for him to see the damage. "...and I thought with your many...uhh... how shall I put this..."break times", you might have something that would fit her."

Ronald smirked, looking me up and down. "Oh I'll have something that fits..." He paused and bit his lip. ".. Darling step this way, let me get a closer look at your little figure."

Will stepped forward and smacked him on the back of the head."Ronald! How dare you, she's a lady!"

I laughed and stepped forward. "Ow! boss man I meant so I could figure her dress size! You want her clothed right?" He rubbed his head, putting his feet back on the floor, mumbling under his breath. "If not works for me to" But not quietly enough, for Will raised his hand for a second blow. He ducked and I stepped in.

"Hey now, I am still a lady and ladies hate violence" I stepped between the two, and grabbed Will's hand. "Now calm down you two. Mr. Knox, would you mind if we stopped by later on and had a look at your...collection?" I looked at him and he nodded.

"But who's this we? You're not bringing the stiff are ya, sweetheart? That's not my thought on a first date." He sighed, continuing to rub where William had hit him.

"Yes we..." William answered. "...Like I would trust her with you...alone." He scoffed and walked off to the other side of the room.

"Is the A-class a bit jealous of a C-class?" He grinned and teased Will, taking my hand and kissing it. "I shall look forward to your arrival, maybe afterwards we can have that drink?"

I laughed and withdrew my hand. "Well I suppose since you're finding me a dress, there's no other way to repay you."

"Oh trust me, there are other ways..." Will gave him a harsh look. "...liiiiike joining me for tea, or a Sunday stroll." He covered his ass like the snow covers the ground at Christmas. I nodded and turned back to Will, giving him a soft smile.

"Shall we be off then? We still need to get passed that blasted red head." I grimaced as I gently ran my fingers over the scar on my stomach from my last encounter with "it".

"Certainly. He should be slacking off with a certain filthy demon about now. We should be safe. Ronald, we shall see you later this evening." He stepped out the door and I followed, not before Ronald called to me.

"Don't worry about ol' Spears, he's stern but alright. Go easy on him." I was confused by his statement, and apparently it showed because William gave me a bazaar look when I closed the door behind me. But it didn't seem bother him because he continued to lead me down the hall to a far off door, which I assumed lead to the back alley. And with the soft click of the door, I knew it wouldn't be the last time I would leave the Shinigami Dispatch Society.