Authors: DemonCatWithASpork and DeathByCelloCase
Canon Characters: Grell Sutcliff, Ronald Knox, William T. Spears

Single quote marks surround Taylor's thoughts. Enjoy and please read below for further notes.

"Do you have...any idea...how difficult it is to carry 100 snack foods?" Lauren huffed as she hefted several bags in her arms.

"I could have helped y'know," Taylor laughed at how ridiculous her friend looked.

"I don't think sometimes."

Taylor merely chuckled as she worked over the centerpiece at one of the tables. She had taken it upon herself to take care of the decorating with William and Grell while Ronald helped Lauren gather the food. William, thoroughly disgusted at having only Grell and Taylor for help the first couple of hours, had watched them both like a hawk…a hawk with hedge clippers and glasses…as the decorating proceeded. William had kept an especially close eye on the two when they had discovered the confetti. He would not allow Grell to even open the bag and had made Taylor carefully distribute small amounts of the confetti evenly across the tablecloths. William had been sure to get disposable tablecloths so the confetti could be rolled up inside the cloth and make no mess later. Streamers had been hung without incident and Taylor had successfully worked the balloons in wide vases on each table for a nice and neat arrangement. Taylor figured it would be more to William's taste. William had scowled fiercely through the entirety of the decorating and did not offer more than a word or two, which was a good sign as far as Taylor was concerned. She didn't like William to know it, but she could be sensible if needed and she did not wish things to go awry…much. Taylor had bustled around the Library meeting hall ignoring William's gaze and working to make the area look presentable. The room itself was a basic square shape, typical for the reapers. A small kitchen was behind them and a bar with stools was along the right wall. In front of the bar, a dark-wooded coffee table had been placed with a couple of black leather sofas around it. The stereo system had been placed at the back wall for later use. At Grell's insistence, he was in the process of braiding Taylor's hair so it would be out of her eyes.

"Where's William-senpai?"

Taylor gestured vaguely behind her, "Back in that kitchen-y place I think."

"Ah. Better go deliver – HI GRELL! – these then."

Grell was still busy over Taylor's hair as she walked over to Lauren and he did not look up even when he gave her his boisterous greeting of, "Hiiiii Lauren-chaaa~ahn!"
Lauren grinned and adjusted her bags for a better grip, "TO THE KITCHEN WE GO. Ronald, you okay back there?"

It was only then that Taylor noticed the reaper standing behind her human friend. Ronald, face obstructed by large containers of mini sandwiches, managed to give a muffled "Got it!"

"Oh Lord, Ron pleeease let me take some of those before you trip!"

Lauren apologized, "I would have helped him, but I kinda got my arms full with the cupcakes."

"I got it I got it," Taylor took several trays off of Ronald's teetering stack of food, but Grell kept getting in her way as he continued working with the lengthy hair, "Grell surely it does not take THAT long to braid my hair?"

Grell pouted, "Well if you would hold still!"

Lauren interjected, "I say we should focus all of our attention on helping William right now...Well, actually, I don't know how much you plan on 'helping'." She eyed Grell with misgiving.
Taylor could hear the grin Grell made as he purred, "Oh, I'll help him, all right~"
Lauren could only shake her head sadly, "I'm sure you will, Grell. I'm. Sure. You. Will."

Taylor tried to get a look at Grell behind her as she said, "Will you focus? I would like this to run smoothly."
Grell finally straightened, clapping his hands together and admiring his handiwork, "There! Isn't that lovely!"
She sighed, "I can manage my own hair thanks."

The foursome walked into kitchen to find a perturbed William flipping through papers on his clipboard. He glanced up as they entered,

"You."

William adjusted his glasses and a long pause settled upon the group. At his single word Lauren just gave him a wide-eyed stare. William took in the spectacle the four of them made: Lauren, her arms full with bags of food, Ronald still mostly hidden behind sandwich trays, Taylor leaning on the door frame with her share of the food, and Grell behind them, eyeing his fingernails. William sighed and adjusted his glasses again,

"Well, at least you have the food... Don't bring it here! Set it up outside on the tables. Immediately."

Grell glanced up from his nails to Lauren, "You didn't bring all those spirits over at the bar did you?"

William returned to his clipboard, "Do not be absurd, Grell. Of course they did not bring them. They are both only seventeen."

"Then who did get all the drinks, Will?"

William looked to see the devilish grin creep onto Grell's face. William glowered at him, "I did, obviously."

Grell broke into a fit a giggles before replying, "Then I must commend you on your impeccable taste, truly! Albesco and even Asti Spumante for the party! Did you get the Borodino just for me?"

Taylor barely had time to blink before William's scythe shot forward. She ducked simply by reflex and Grell soon followed. He had been ready for the scythe for once and William missed, but narrowly avoided Lauren's head.

"That is enough out of you, Sutcliff. Between the lot of you, I wonder how I ever get anything done. I do not need any more time wasted."

As Taylor straightened, she rolled her eyes, "Sheeeesh, William relax, we still have 15 minutes."

Upon hearing the words, William grabbed Ronald's arm to look at his watch.

"HEY! Not cool, boss! You're gonna' make me drop your precious food." Ronald's load wobbled dangerously.

Lauren gestured with her shoulder back out the kitchen door, "Forget it. Let's just set up before he bursts a blood vessel or something."

William shot Lauren a glare as Taylor scampered out of the kitchen and shouted back, "Deep breaths senpai!"

Lauren carefully placed the food trays on the main table and opened them, "Looks like William already got the plates and plastic-ware out. Hmm…We need some setting the table music."
Ronald and Taylor gave her questioning looks as they set down their own trays. Lauren brought out her iPod and ran over to the stereo to set up the music they would have for the evening.

Taylor grinned at her music choice as she finished preparing the buffet-like table. William swiftly poked his head out of the kitchen and adjusted his glasses before disappearing again. At this, Lauren had to face a wall so as to try and hide her stifled laughter while Ronald just let loose a jocular laugh. Taylor smiled at the proceedings. 'Things seem to be going along quite nicely, William shouldn't worry so much.' As her eyes fell upon the coffee table setup, she got an interesting idea,

"OH! Gimme about twelve of those cupcakes!"

William's shout came from the kitchen, "THAT FOOD IS NOT FOR YOU, MISS WALLACE."

"I'M NOT GONNA EAT 'EM!' She shouted back and glared at the wall she knew Will was behind.

Lauren gave her a slight frown and tilted her head to the side, "What do you want them for?"

Taylor giggled and whispered so William wouldn't hear, "Cupcake tower over on that coffee table!" "Niiiiiice!" Ron gave a big grin and Lauren eagerly agreed.

Taylor gathered the cupcakes, chocolate of course, and as she was arranging them she glanced at her watch, "Oy! We only have about three minutes left. And I highly approve of the mood music Lauren!"

"Mmm, I must agree with her," Grell sighed contentedly and swayed a little to the tune.

"Good! I plan on doing this mood music for the rest of the night."

"Fantastic!" Ronald said, still beaming.

"That was the 'setting the table' music. It shall switch to party music when the appropriate time comes."

After the song had ended, Grell plopped himself down at one of the tables as he waited for time to pass. A worrisome thought struck Taylor and she called to him,

"Grell, do the shinigami know we're here? The humans I mean."

Grell leaned back, folding his hands behind his head, "Hmmm... You know, I couldn't say..."

Lauren and Taylor exchanged a worried look before Taylor called to Ronald,

"Rooonnie? Pleeeeease tell me you let it slip?"

"M-maybe William-sama told them?" Lauren looked doubtful.

Ronald shook his head, "I was given strict instructions to keep this on the DL."

Taylor let out a squeak of alarm. She was never good with parties to begin with and having 30 or so shinigami graduates staring at a human her was not something she was particularly looking forward to. She had hoped the graduates would have at least been told about them. 'Damn you William…' she cursed to herself.

Lauren saw Taylor's worry and tried to calm her, "Chill, we'll be fine. This means it's the perfect opportunity to introduce ourselves as William's...FRIENDS. Heheheh..."

Taylor gave her a sarcastic look that said 'yeah right' and sighed, "I'm sure that would go over well considering most of them probably agree that William couldn't have that stick farther up his—" she saw Will exit the kitchen, "-aaaassuming they don't eat everything! I mean look at all this stuff!"

Lauren and Ronald looked confused until they spotted William.

"I am so glad you're my friend," Lauren grinned.
William stopped in his tracks to glare for a minute before adjusting his glasses, shaking his head slowly, and walking over to open the doors.
Ron whispered to the two of them, "And I'm so glad you guys are here!"
Lauren beamed, "Hooray, it's like a love fest!"

Taylor looked around quickly, "Careful saying that around the redhead!...Where is he anyway…"
Lauren looked around too and nodded before saying, "Probably went to touch up his makeup."

"Ah yes!"

Soon, the slight murmur of a crowd could be heard near the door. Taylor looked around quickly once more as nervousness settled in her stomach.

"Damn! Grell isn't out here to hide behind!" She debated for a moment before going with her easiest choice of communication-yelling very loudly,

"GRELL! GET OUT HE—NYEH!"

She nearly jumped out of her skin as a red blur came flying from...the ceiling?

Lauren looked upwards, a hint of disbelief on her face, "I'm not even going to ask."
"It's best not to," Ronald affirmed with some vigorous nodding of his head.

Taylor wasted no time in dashing behind the red man. Peeking out from behind his right arm, she asked, "Where's William?"

Lauren looked around a moment before pointing, "Over at the door...I guess we should just stay here..."

Taylor gave a fervent nod, "I AM COOL WITH THAT." She did not notice the volume behind her words.

Ronald frowned in concern. He bent down to the much shorter human's height and gave her one of his rare serious looks, "Heeey, chill. You all right?"

Taylor was mostly squeaking as she tried to brush her nerves aside. "I'll be fiiine! FINE! Grell stop laughing!" For the reaper was shaking with mirth at the distress of his little friend.

Grell looked down at her, "But I have to! I've never seen you so stirred up and you should see your face…"

Lauren shrugged, "Apparently, she tends to get like...this," she gestured at the other girl who had her wide eyes fixed on the open double doors that were the room's main entrance, "I'm not the greatest with parties myself," she admitted.

"Ah. Well, I'll watch out for ya!" Ron went back to a big grin and clapped Lauren on the back.
Lauren staggered under the unsuspected contact, "Thanks, Ronnie, but we all know there's a 99% chance you will be at least moderately intoxicated before this is over."

Ronald kept grinning and did not deny the claim, "Aww come on! Gimme a chance?"
Lauren took another look at her human friend and shook her head, "I don't think I would push her at this point. Heh heh..."

Taylor kept whispering, "I'll be fine!" over and over again mostly to herself before her breath hitched and she said very quietly, "...They…are here...!"
Lauren did a dramatic head turn as she jokingly mocked her friend, "Ooooh, 'they.'"

Taylor tried to concentrate on her breathing as she waited to be noticed – 'Breathe in and out,' – although she personally hoped she wouldn't be noticed due to the red mass she was still hiding behind – 'In and out.'

Ronald raised his hand in greeting as he recognized one of the reapers, "HEY, MAN!" Lauren froze a moment as the graduate reaper waved back and attention was briefly brought to the small group. She gave a nervous chuckle. Seeing her face, Taylor glared at her, "See? I don't see you doing much better."
Ronald saw Lauren's face and gave a sheepish grin as he scratched behind his head, "Oh, sorry! It's just...I know his older sister, too..."
Lauren face-palmed, "Oh, Ronald."

Taylor was still hiding behind Grell, grateful for his patience with her. Of course, she knew he was still standing with her because he did not really have any other pressing matters to attend to. Other than his desire to follow William everywhere, Grell seemed content. Taylor also knew that not even Grell would cross William too much with the party just getting underway. Already the graduate reapers were gathering around the bar and tables, laughing and discussing their first soul collections. As the reapers, all in black suits, filed in and began gathering food on their plates, Taylor poked Lauren, "Hey Lauren? See any female reapers?"

Lauren scanned the room, "Hmmm...Not yet."
Taylor's spirits sank. She had thought that maybe among all the gathered reapers they might get to actually see some female ones for once, "Kaaay...I was just curious."
"I'll be on the lookout."
Ronald's face lit up, "ME TOO!" Taylor and Lauren both face-palmed and Ronald laughed again.
Finally Grell shifted and glanced back at Taylor, "Taylor dear, you realize you are going to have to let go of my coat sometime?"

Taylor grimaced, "Ugh. Don't call me 'dear' Grell! That sounds way too weird for me."

"Then, let go of my coat—"

"Well, I'm gonna go ask William if he needs anything, I think..." Lauren said.
"Dude, you haven't started the party music," Ronald reminded her.
"I will, I will."

"Yes do that." Taylor grinned.

"Which one? Both?"

"How bout yooooou get the music and IIIII'll go to William?"

"Oh, will you? Aloooooone?" Lauren winked and nudged her.
Taylor nodded firmly, "Have to move at some point I suppose. Besides, if I have a definite destination I can slink along the walls."

Lauren shook her head sadly and laughed, then turned to Ronald,

"Shall I go over and start the party music now?"
Ronald gave her a wink, "Yeah, I'll escort you."

Taylor waved them off, "And off you go Grell, I'll be back!" 'Just go Taylor,' she told herself, 'don't look, just go, walking…walking…almost there!' Then one of the reapers sitting at a table got a good look at her as she walked by, doing a double take as he realized the girl was not wearing a suit or wearing any glasses.

"Hey! Is that?...Dude!" the reaper elbowed one of his friends nearby, "That's a human isn't it?"

Taylor overheard the exchange and inwardly panicked as she tried to keep a straight face and keep walking. She continued to talk to herself to keep calm even though the reapers were now following her, 'Almost there! Ignore them!'

"William-senpai!" she called out with a grin as she dove behind his conveniently tall form.
"Miss Wallace what is it? I do not have the time to deal with you."
"N-Ne-Need anything done?"

William flipped through the roster in his hand and adjusted his glasses with his death scythe, "I suppose not at the moment," He glanced down, irritated at the human girl. "And just why are you slinking around like that?"

Taylor gave him a big grin, "No reason!"
She ducked behind him again as the other reapers reached them, "Senpai! Is that a human?"
William looked back down at her and light flashed across his glasses, "Oh..."

The first reaper looked at his friend, "I told you I saw a human! What is she doing here?"
Taylor watched as William tried to find a reasonable explanation for her presence and the reapers whispered to each other, "Is he okay...?"

Taylor, realizing William was going to be of no help in this particular situation, plucked up her courage and let out a small cough, "He's fine, I promise..."

Over by the stereo, Lauren fumbled with the connections to get the music started again when she heard Ronald begin to snicker and say, "Oh man, this is great."
"What?"
Ronald pointed out the pair of reapers confronting William and Taylor near the door.
"Oh shit..."

The reaper on her right tried to get a better look at Taylor though his glasses, "Um...hello, Miss."
The other reaper folded his arms, "If you don't mind my asking...why is...your kind here?"

Taylor face-palmed at hearing the term 'your kind' aimed at herself. It gave her a slight sense of vertigo, "Can I make a very long story short and just say that I know your bosses? Um…"

Lauren, having finished fiddling with the sound system, trotted over to randomly interject in the middle of the awkward conversation, "Heeey, guuuys... Ahehheh..."

Taylor was utterly relieved, "Oh thank death gods!"

The left reaper blinked in astonishment. "What did you just say?"
Taylor ignored the question. She moved to stand beside Lauren. The reapers stared in disbelief at the two females.

"Two of 'em?"

"Yes," Lauren said quickly, "and I can promise you there are no more than two here tonight."
"Just us two!" Taylor nodded, "Where did Grell go? I need him!"

The reapers tried to get a grasp of the situation. The one on the left asked, "is anyone gonna' explain anything?"

Taylor gave the reaper a big nervous grin and spoke quite loudly, "NOPE!"
The first reaper looked even more puzzled, "You know Sutcliff-senpai?"
"Lauren I'm looosing iiit!" Taylor whispered to her friend.

Lauren patted Taylor on the head and made sure she kept breathing as she turned to the two reapers, "OKAY, here's the story..."

During this entire transaction, William had been standing nearby, his pride not allowing him to admit that he had resorted to human help. Although, he suspected Grell had pushed him into this corner deliberately. William would just have to make him pay later. For the moment, William was just trying his best to become transparent. Seeing his obvious discomfort, Taylor decided to help the reaper manager out for once,
"Oy! There isn't something burning is there?"
William merely raised an eyebrow at her.
'Can the man not take a hint?' She tried again and pointed, "In the kitcheeeen?"
William shifted before replying, "Oh, yes I'll go see to that."

Lauren watched William go and shook her head, "Honestly." Her eyes went wide; she realized too late what she had just said and clapped her hand over her mouth.
Now it was the reapers' turns for wide eyed stares and the one on the right turned to his companion, "Did she just say what I think she said?"
The second reaper ran his hand through his hair and shook his head. "This is too weird..."
Lauren tried to change the subject, "ANYWAY!"

Taylor gave a loud laugh before she noticed several other reapers in the room were glancing in their direction.
"Um, Lauren? I thiiiiiink we are drawing a bit of attention..."

Lauren tried to ignore her and focus on dealing with the two reapers in front of them, "Hhhhhhi. Um, I'm Lauren, and this is Taylor...Nice to meet you. You see, Taylor is good friends with Grell, and me and Undertaker are friends, too. We're kinda' all friends with each other..." She glanced around as she tried to find the right words, "Oh dear..."

Taylor leaned over and muttered in Lauren's ear, "We are soooooo gonna confuse them more."

"Well, we OBVIOUSLY weren't getting anywhere with you or William, now, were we?"

Taylor hung her head and coughed in embarrassment, "I am ashamed…sorry."

The left reaper spoke up, "Wait wait wait, back up... You're FRIENDS with shinigami?" He turned to his companion, "I didn't think humans were this odd..."

Taylor's immediate and nervous responses started, "I'm afraid many of us are yes. Odd, not friends I mean. But yes! We are friends! Everything is good!"

"Well, if you want my honest opinion...any humans who can make friends with reapers are pretty legit."

Lauren grinned and spoke to herself, "Yes he just used the word 'legit' ahahaha!" Then she noticed her friend's face as well as the reapers'. "I'm shutting up now."

Taylor sighed, "This is too much for me. I need a sandwich." She turned to go but immediately stopped.
"Lauren..."

"Yeeees?"

"They are all looking at us Lauren! All of them!"
Lauren looked up to see what Taylor saw and threw a little wave at the sea of reapers, "Oh wait...hmm, that's a lot...of eyes..."
Taylor let out a small and nervous chuckle before throwing her own even smaller wave at the mass, "A lot of green eyes..."

Lauren hissed through her teeth as she plastered a giant fake smile to her face, "Why did you send William away again?"
Taylor grinned, "Easily fixed!" She ran over to the kitchen door and all the vibrant green eyes followed her movement. She shouted right outside the door, "WILLIAM-SENPAI! GRELL IS ON THE CHANDELIER AGAIN!" She couldn't help but glance up to make sure her statement wasn't really true.
William stormed out of kitchen, "SUTCLI—!" He stopped short as he noticed all the eyes that were on the human girl and him.
"There we go! Now Lauren, would you come here pleeease and William would you please explain things to everyone since we are failing miserably, you being the management head and all?"

William managed to adjust his glasses one more time before walking to the center of the suddenly-silent room. His shoes made a firm and deliberate clicking sound as he walked. "Everyone, if I could please have your attention for a moment..."

Silence.

"Peculiar as it may seem, these two...humans...are here for a reason. They are...acquaintances of Grell Sutcliff and" – here, light flashed across his glasses – "The Undertaker."
There were several expressions of shock and mumbling from a number of reapers. One reaper raised his hand.

"Who's Undert—MMF!" He was quickly silenced by two reapers who knew William all too well. They both grinned as they shoved their fellow reaper under the table.

William raised an eyebrow, "To continue... As much as I hate to admit it, Reaper Sutcliff and I have a small bet going on. I was required to personally direct the annual graduation party. Usually, I would avoid such rubbish at all costs. However, I am a man of my word," He again adjusted his glasses, "and here I stand before you this evening..."

Taylor threw up her hand to wave to the head of the Management Division, "Thank you William-senpai!"

"Hm. In any event, they have agreed to assist me in the preparations of your graduation party, mainly because no one else would ever dream of offering assistance." He glared at Grell and Ronald, who were chilling in a back corner near the bar.
Grell snickered, "Oh, Wiru, it's so much fun to watch you struggle~"
"Oh yes...'WIRU'-senpai." Ronald let out a hearty laugh.
"You see my point," William muttered in disgust. Then he turned to the two humans behind him, "You may introduce yourselves now."

Taylor paled at the words but with a nudge from Lauren she stepped forward, "III...I'm Taylor aaaand I'm the human who knows Grell...over there," she gestured to the back corner and many eyes shifted in that direction. Grell just kept up his sharp grin and waved at the crowd. "And um...this is my friend...buddy...pal...person...go nuts sweetie..." By her final word, Taylor's voice was barely a whisper.
Lauren reached out to hold the girl steady. She looked rather faint. "Um, hiiii...I'm Lauren...and I know Undertaker...and stuff...and yeah."

"Aaaaand we brought the food..." Taylor managed to say.

Lauren whispered in her ear, "That should get 'em...maybe..."

"...and decorated and...stuff."

Lauren looked around, "Well, tried at least. Oh, and we are going to help UN-decorate too...I promise, William."

Taylor nodded and whispered an apology to Lauren, "Good lord, I really didn't think I'd do THIS badly."

Several reapers began to nod and murmur between themselves when one stood up and walked toward the two girls. Silence again permeated the room as everyone watched. With all the reapers in the same customary suits, their individual looks mostly just blended together. None of them had gotten their customized glasses from Father either, so really, the only thing that separated them individually were their hair styles. The reaper that stood before the two girls had short, spiky blonde hair. Upon reaching them, the reaper looked down and raised an eyebrow at the sickened look of Taylor's face. Gently, he placed a sandwich in her hands and smiled, "Dude, relax. If you are friends with the bosses then you're okay by us. Now eat something before you fall over."
"See? They're cool!" although Lauren was secretly relieved too. She and Taylor did not fear harm from the reapers, – that would be absurd – but meeting so many reapers at one time was rather nerve-wracking.

Taylor finally took a breath; she did not know how long she had been holding it, "Thanks...um?"
"Leopold, although most just call me Leo."

Lauren nodded, "Lovely name."

Still a bit pale, Taylor pointed over to the corner where Grell and Ronald were observing the goings on, "I'm gonna…go over there now."

Leo looked at Lauren as Taylor walked off, "She gonna be okay?"

"Yeah, I think so. She's just a bit nervous. I am a little too, actually."
"No reason to be. It's just as strange for us to be interacting so openly with humans."
"I can imagine..."
Leo grinned and turned to call the same two reapers who had confronted William, who were lingering nearby, "Hey guys, come say hi!"

The two walked over and introduced themselves as Isaac and Jasper. Jasper had his brown hair slicked back while Isaac had let his black hair fall shaggily around his face.
During the introductions Lauren suddenly remembered, "Oh! I got distracted with the disruption earlier! I meant to put on some music. If you'll excuse me, I'll go play some...stuff...yes."

As Taylor reached the shinigami in the corner, Grell gave her a toothy grin, "Oh myyy, you look much worse up close!"
The girl grimaced, "Thanks Grell."
Ronald laughed before taking a large gulp from his beer glass, "Like Leo said Taylor, relax! Have some fun!"
Taylor sighed, "I'll be alright," and she nibbled on her sandwich.

Several minutes passed in which the three watched the shinigami graduates. True to form, Ronald drained some kind of alcoholic beverage every few minutes and added considerable life to the party. Tension had relaxed significantly and everyone was enjoying themselves. Taylor looked over at Grell who was sitting with both his arms and legs crossed and staring blankly into space. She nudged the reaper to get his attention,

"What's up with you? It's not like you to be so languid at a party. Have a drink. You should be enjoying yourself."

Grell shrugged and folded his hands behind his head, "The graduates this year are only so-so. We used to get some spunk back in the day, but our newcomers really lack any imagination. I'm not very good with kids anyway."
"Nonsense! A few glasses of wine will take care of that! Come on, I shouldn't have to coax you into this, that's just not right," she let out a quiet laugh.

Grell eyed his strange human acquaintance, "Hmm, alright but let me fix that one bit of your hair."

Taylor shoved Grell out of his seat, "GO already!"

Lauren, having set up a stream of music, spotted Taylor and strode over to her, "How you doing?" she grinned.
Taylor returned the smile, "Better, much better. I need to get out more..."

"Me too…Where's the blonde one?"

Taylor scanned the crowd of reapers, "I was about to say, I just lost sight of Grell. Are he and Ron drunk yet?"

"I wouldn't know. I don't even know where they are."

Taylor stood up and craned her neck to get a better view of the crowd, "How can I not see a giant blob of red?"
"Well, I'm tired so colors are kind of running together for me."
Taylor laughed, "You should have a cupcake"
Lauren eyed the chocolate on the nearby table, "They do look rather tasty."
"Might give you a sugar boost, I ate some already myself and see? I am now calm."
"Mmm, sugar….wait," Lauren looked at her friend, "Sugar equals a calming effect. New math?" She pondered a moment before nodding, "New math."

Taylor spotted a rather rambunctious group of reapers that surrounded the coffee table, "Well, the reapers are enjoying themselves. My cupcake tower was a hit."

Lauren swiped a couple cupcakes from the buffet table, "Yes! Cupcakes."

Taylor turned so that she and Lauren were facing each other. From over Lauren's shoulder, Taylor finally spotted the mass of red she had been looking for just minutes before. Her eyes widened, "Oh no..."
Lauren began to turn slowly in the direction of Taylor's "oh crap" glance.
"Don't look!"

Lauren quickly covered her eyes, "Whyyyyyy?"

"I thought we might avoid a table dance...I was wrong," Taylor winced.
"Oh, you know I have to look now..."

"Don't!"

Grell had obviously succumbed to whatever alcohol he had consumed. Several of the graduate reapers stared in open-mouthed amazement as their superior danced his heart out. Ronald, standing nearby, raised his latest mug of beer into the air and cheered his senpai on. William was nowhere to be seen.
Taylor could only stand rooted to the spot, just as transfixed as the other reapers, "The hips...his ass...damn he can dance…"
Lauren grimaced at her, "Did you really just say that?"
Taylor tried to look somewhere, anywhere, other than the table upon which Grell was dancing, "Must...look away!"
Lauren finally turned despite her friend's warnings to see what exactly the reaper was doing. At the sight of Grell's swaying hips and vibrant hair flaring out around him, Lauren looked down at the baked good she still held in her hand, "WHAT WENT IN THESE CUPCAKES?"

Taylor finally managed to focus on a different group of reapers off to her right, "Is it just me or..." She pointed to the group of reapers sitting on the sofas around the coffee table, "Are they trying to make their own cupcake towers?"

Lauren looked over as well, "Oooh, you're right. You trendsetter you."

Taylor promptly face-palmed as Lauren laughed at her. Taylor looked back up, "You see Will anywhere?"

"No... I could go look for him," Lauren offered.

Taylor spotted a flash of two-toned hair color amongst the reapers at the coffee table, "Well I found Ronnie," Taylor grabbed another sandwich, feeling much more at ease. Lauren followed Taylor as she walked nonchalantly over to the group of reapers. Taylor heaved herself up onto the edge so she was now perched, gargoyle-like, on the back of the black leather sofa where she could easily watch the shinigami over the cupcakes.
Ronald looked up and flashed a dazzling smile at her, "What's up? How ya feeling?"

The other shinigami looked up to notice the human hovering over them.
Taylor waved, "Hi Ronald. I'm fine now, thanks." She returned the reapers' stares with her own and grinned, "What?"

Lauren poked her in the shoulder, "I'm going to do some exploring and maybe find William-senpai on the way, I think. You gonna be all right now? I feel the need to do some things, but I'll be back."

Taylor looked away from the glowing green eyes, "Eh? Yeah, I'm fine now," she laughed, "The initial shock has passed. Although it might come back if I can't keep Grell off the furniture," she glanced down at her own position on top of the sofa, "Although I'm one to talk."
Lauren smiled, "You don't have to watch him this time y'know. We aren't in the human world. Let him go loose."

"Well, I would rather Will not hit me again...or try to." She winked.

"Well then, I'll be back in a bit." Lauren waved as she walked off.

Taylor returned her attention to the four shinigami who had gone back to stacking the cupcakes. Ronald was lounging with yet another beer in hand. All of them had short hair. Two of them were brunettes, one black, and the other, bleach blonde. Taylor eyed the cupcakes, "Enjoying yourselves?"
One of the brunettes piped up, "Yeah! We're trying to see who can make the tallest tower out of them! Oh I'm Henry! And they're Jake, Evan, and Frederick." He pointed first to the bleach blonde reaper, then the black-haired one, and finally the other brunette.

Taylor nodded a greeting to each in turn.
Between swigs of alcohol Ronald chimed in, "She's the one who knows Grell-senpai."
Henry's head popped up, "Oh yeah!"

Jake stared curiously at the human, "How did you manage that one?"
Taylor shifted uncomfortably from her perch on the sofa, "Eeh...well..."
Ronald cocked his head to the side, "Y'know, I never really thought about that! How did you meet him?"
She tried to evade the subject, "Um...that's kind of an awkward story."
Several eyebrows rose at her words.
"NO! NOT like that!" Taylor quickly assured them as she realized her mistake. Ronald burst into uncontrollable laughter as Taylor shot him a glare, "Hush."

She looked back at the graduate reapers, "I'd rather not go into details. I was out one night and I happened across him."
Ronald shook his head at her cheesy evasion, "Aaaw come on Taylor! You can tell us!"
She sighed as she saw no immediate escape from the explanation. It was a stupid story anyway, and she felt silly having to tell anyone. She tried to be vague, "He surprised me, he got injured, and I brought him inside so I could help fix up the wound."
Frederick looked puzzled, "But why did you randomly help him?"
Taylor tried not to meet their eyes, "Eeeeh...I may have...given him...that…wound."
Ronald choked on his mouthful of beer as the other reapers let out exclamations of disbelief and a collective "Whaaaat?"
Taylor then heard her phone ding, signaling a text, and she jumped at the chance to get away, "AHA! Excuse me, I gotta take this!" and she hopped off the sofa and scurried away, leaving the reapers to stare in bewilderment at her retreating form.

Henry looked at his fellows, "That little human injured Grell-senpai?"
Evan shook his head slowly, "Hard to believe, considering humans don't have any power..."
Ronald downed the rest of his drink hoping it would steady him, "Don't look at me guys, I'm just as stumped…"

The following took place via phone:

((Lauren: How's everything going?))

((Taylor: Oh thank goodness, an excuse to stop talking! You just saved me my friend. Ron, Jake, Frederick, Henry, and Evan all wanted to know how I met Grell o_O))

((Lauren: *literal stifled laugh*))

((Taylor: Well now they are seriously confused. At least I can nonchalantly walk away now and find Grell))

((Lauren: Confused by what, your sudden need for departure? *realizes* I bet a bunch of them have never seen/owned a cell phone…))

((Taylor: No…well maybe, but they are confused at the little explanation I actually ended up giving them))

((Lauren: Ah I see. Well, I'll be there in a bit. I'm almost done exploring anyway *sigh*))

((Taylor: Righty-o. Find the red blur and that's where I'll be.))

((Lauren: Aye.))

Taylor looked up from her phone and made a quick scan of the room, 'Seems that everything is going okay,' she thought, 'that's good...now where—'
"There you are!"
'Ah, found him...'
She walked over to where Grell was standing near the speakers, "I see you are finally enjoying yourself.
Grell flicked his hair over his shoulder, "I always enjoy myself, although it would be even better if Will wouldn't turn me down for a dance every time!"

"Aaaaw," She patted Grell on his shoulder, "someday perhaps, my friend."
Lauren silently returned as she slid in beside the stereo, "Would music with a little language be offensive to you, eh?"
"Who me, or Grell?"

"Either one of you...Actually, mostly you, I'm pretty sure Grell wouldn't mind."
"I think we'll be okay, I don't know about Will-"
"I'll handle Wiru," Grell interrupted.
Taylor sighed at the innuendo and proceeded to ram her head into the nearby speaker before considering that such a move might be unwise, "...Ow."

Lauren looked at her with amusement, "Don't hurt yourself."
"Or the speaker!" They heard Ronald call.
"Thanks, Ronald." Lauren called back, "Well, I'm considering several selections from a certain band, and I really like this song...and it's somewhat appropriate. Personally, I think William-sama will appreciate it." She grinned.

Taylor glared at Ronald several yards away, "Oh that reminds me, several of the shinigami wanted to know how you discovered me Grell."
"Oh? Did you tell them?"
"I tried to be vague but you may be getting questions on how I managed to even remotely injure you." She grimaced.
Grell released a high laugh at the look on Taylor's face, "Not to worry. And go on with the music Lauren-chan. I'm sure it will be lovely!"

Lauren broke into a devious grin as she started playing the next song.

Lauren pondered, "To tell the truth...even I do not know the full story of how you two met."

Grell went to his Cheshire grin as he exclaimed, "Aah! It was so unexpected! It all happened in the dark of night. We could only see by the light of the full moon!"
Taylor rolled her eyes and smacked Grell in the back of his head "Don't be so dramatic about it. It was an accident and there wasn't even a moon out that night!"

"Oh, you guys..." Lauren chortled.

Grell rubbed his head as though the strike had actually hurt him, "Hee~ey! Not nice! I just thought I'd tell her."
"I'll tell her later, without embellishments," she huffed. "It wasn't that remarkable…barely a scratch." She turned to Lauren, "Later, but it involves a sleepless night and a box cutter."
"Oooh, a box cutter…"

Grell touched the back of his hand to his forehead in a dramatic pose, "It was a grievous wound!"
"Hush it! I barely touched you and you laughed at me! Honestly!"

Lauren laughed, "HA! You said 'honestly' too."

Taylor face-palmed, "Oh please say I didn't," she sighed, "I'm glad none of the others were around," she shook her head. "Their faces when they heard you say that…Oh! Did you happen across William?"

"Indeed I did. He was hiding out in a side room, actually. I told him he should come see his party, and that everyone was enjoying themselves and it was pretty much under control. He just kind of nodded slowly before muttering something about 'maybe later.'"

Taylor shook her head sadly, "Grell and Ronald aren't even that drunk either, AND no one has tried to get Will drunk. I think we should spare him tonight," she laughed. "Poor guy has been through a lot in the last several months."

Lauren nodded, "Yeah, I was gonna say we should just let him be. Poooooor Wiru-sama..."

Grell chuckled, "He did do a lovely job,"

Taylor winked, "Even though we helped too?"
Grell raised his head, gesturing to the room at large, "It all came together rather nicely."

Lauren nodded in agreement, "So, how much have you had to drink, Madam Sutcliff?"

Grell turned to the girl, affronted, "So unlike you to sour the mood Lauren! I haven't had THAT much. Hmph. Just a few glasses of wine, but I don't need to explain myself to you little human."
"Haha! Smooth Lauren," Taylor patted her human friend on the shoulder, "Although I was about to ask him the same thing." She studied Grell's face as he raised an eyebrow at her.
"I'd say about 4 and a half..."

Grell's eyes widened at her correct guess.

Lauren looked hurt, "I am offended."

"Aaaw why? He's just a bit moody from the wine."

"I guess so...that 'little human' thing just reminds me of another certain Debbie Downer..."

Realizing who she was referring to, Taylor replied, "We really should get him out here. It's after midnight after all. Any volunteers? If he protests we can tell him the longer he waits the creepier it's likely to get. One of us…or all of us should get William to at least come out and be a wallflower instead of hiding." Taylor folded her arms.

"Yeah...let's storm his hideout." Lauren agreed.
"All of us?"
"Why not?"

"Sweet, come on Gureru."

Lauren chuckled, "You don't have to tell him twice, I'm sure...Where are your new friends Taylor?"
"Oh yeah...well they were over at the coffee table with the cupcakes...don't know if they're still there, surely they've eaten those cupcakes by now."

"Well, I'm glad they were tasty," Lauren smiled.

"Very delicious yes…Okay! Which side room?"

"Over in that corne—No, not that one. Yeaaah, THAT one, follow me."

Taylor gently pulled Grell along and became slightly aware of random, strange glances from some of the remaining shinigami. Lauren gave a little wave to the staring reapers and threw a questioning look at Taylor.

Taylor grinned, "Man they really aren't that used to live and happy humans are they? I suppose they only ever see the dying or dead up close..."

"...I realize how my reaction is always to wave." Lauren winced.

Taylor glanced back, "Yeah kinda, no big deal though."

"It allows me to avoid saying anything stupid."

"While I on the other hand squeak, nearly pass out, and usually say something stupid teheh…"
Grell leaped ahead of them and burst into the room, "WIRU!"

William glanced up, slightly startled at the sudden entrance so late in the evening, and set the cup of coffee he was holding down on the counter. He pinched the bridge of his nose, "Oh no..."
"Yes. Oh yes. It's about time you quit avoiding all the fun, my good sir." Lauren grinned. Grell giggled.

"I told you later..."
Taylor rolled her eyes, "It's been later Will. Come on, the chaperones aren't even really that drunk when compared to our last dinner."
William's eyebrow twitched at being reminded of his unwilling outing with this same group. Their collaboration had left him highly intoxicated and he had no wish to repeat the experience. He adjusted his glasses.
"It's a really fun party Wiru!" Grell walked over and linked his arm with his superior, "Come have some fun!"
William stiffened at the contact.

"The longer you wait the creepier it is likely to get y'know," Taylor coaxed.

Lauren tried as well, "Come ooooon, pretty pleeeeeeease?"
William looked down at the human girl, "Begging just makes you look foolish."
"Hiding in a secluded room like a recluse makes YOU look foolish," Lauren countered. William glowered at her.

"Come ooooooon," Taylor grabbed Grell who was still holding Will, thus being able to pull William by proxy. "Would it make you feel better if you knew we AREN'T going to make you drink anything tonight?"

William made a brief grimace before going back to his usual frown.
Lauren smiled, "Was that a hint of...deliberation?"
William let out a sigh, "Fine."

"Ahn! You won't regret it Wiru!" Grell leaned on his shoulder.

"Somehow I doubt that."

"What an odd group we must be walking out of this room. Sorry if my list of coherent things to say is lacking, guys," Lauren apologized, "I had to get up at 6:40 to take a test. I'm running on about five hours of sleep."

Taylor, rather high on tired herself, agreed, "Indeed we are an odd group, but it's so late now that I don't care that a chunk of new shinigami are staring at the 4 of us coming out of this room!"
Grell was appalled, "My my! Lauren what are you doing running around on such little sleep? That is horrible for your looks!"
"Honestly, I knew this would be longer than scheduled. This should have ended an hour ago, honestly." William scowled.
"Well we can casually start cleaning a few things up then!" Taylor looked around the room. "Some of the reapers have already left anyway and more are heading out."

"William, you just started and ended a sentence with 'honestly'…" Lauren shook her head, "I'm tired but I don't want to go home yet. Hmm, couch." At the sight of the nearby couch, she broke off from the group and promptly buried her face into the piece of furniture. "And sorry to disappoint you with my lack of beauty sleep, Grell."
William eyed the tired girl, "Well, it's a good thing you 'don't want to go home yet' because we all have a rather extensive cleanup project ahead of us."
Lauren's answer was muffled by the couch, "Yes...sssssirr..."

Taylor turned to the stoic man who was over a foot faller than herself, "How many times am I going to have to tell you to relax William? We'll get the job done, sheesh. They ate most of the food anyway. Grell, would you unhook yourself from your boss long enough to help me pick up loose trash and wake the few that have passed out to get them out of here?"
"Must you put an exhausted lady to work?"
"Greeeeeell…"
"Tch, oh fine." Reluctantly, Grell released his grasp on William's arm and walked off to begin the cleanup.
"Hm. You actually got him to agree to help." William adjusted his glasses yet again.
Lauren yawned and curled onto the couch, her tiredness becoming more evident in her words, "Ya gotta be polite, William-senpai..."
William turned to her, "And just what do you think you're doing?"
She stretched, "You know, I don't think you've ever even called me by my actual name." She did not move from her position on the couch, but suddenly she felt a warm body join her, "...? ...! R-RONALD...!"
Ronald curled up and made himself quite comfortable. He glanced up and gave a slightly-buzzed grin accompanied by a sloppy, half-hearted wave before forcefully smashing his head into a pillow.

Lauren glanced at the blonde, "I think he's had a little bit...ya know..."
Ronald groaned.
"Hmph. Ronald Knox, you should not be so careless with your actions."
"Mmmhmmm...whut evr y'say bosssssszzzzzzz..."
"Honestly..."
Taylor slumped, "Oh enough 'honestly's' for one evening eh? And don't look too much on me getting Grell to work. He's drunk, if only slightly, and I merely influenced him."
William looked around, "You seem the only one here who is both sober and awake..."
"Your point? Let Lauren be. She took care of helping you this whole time and getting the food. I'll clean up with Grell, although we do need to figure out how to get both Ron and Lauren home...

"Of course, my transportation is intoxicated," Lauren poked the sleeping Ronald.

"What are you talking about? Grell is a bit out of it too, although not passed out thank goodness."

"Oh, yeah...Well I'm awake now, I promise. I'll help." Lauren sat up and quickly scooted over a little to create some space between the inebriated death god and herself.

"Is that everyone gone? ...No wait..."
"Eh?"

"Henry is still over there in that chair by the window."

"Go poke him!" Lauren shouted. "...Sorry, I don't know what came over me."

"HA! No." Taylor called to the redhead, "Grell!"
"Hmm?"

"One more over there and then you'll be almost done!"
"Not even close to finished..." William muttered.
"Yes, but in his condition he doesn't know that," she stuck her tongue out at him and turned away, "Yes, I did just stick my tongue out at you senpai."
William sighed, "Truly childish, but it is too late for me to really care at this point."

She whipped her head around, "William-senpai! Not caring? I take that back, someone did give you a drink didn't they?"
William simply adjusted his glasses.
Taylor let the moment slide and faced the empty room, "Right then, and let us get a move on. It's not even that bad of a mess."
Lauren heaved herself up and off the sofa, "I'm comin'! What's the damage? Hm...There are some red plastic cups on the floor over there. And some cupcake crumbs right here."
"I shall retrieve the broom from the kitchen," William said.
Lauren saluted the head reaper. William raised an eyebrow and adjusted his glasses in acknowledgement before walking towards the kitchen.

Over by the window, Grell tried to wake the sleeping shinigami, "Henreeeeeee? Wake up! Party's over, love."

Taylor nodded, "Oky doke, Grell has Henry covered. I shall start packing up the remaining food...or lack thereof. Gracious! I'm amazed beings that don't really have to eat, well, eat so much! They really are like college kids." She dragged a trashcan over to the table, "Nice that we can dispose of this main tablecloth too." She proceeded to wrap up the smaller bits of trash in the tablecloth, "And off you go!" She scampered back to the kitchen with a 'heehee!' as William walked by with the broom and tried very hard to ignore the human.

Henry started to stir, "Hnnn...S-Sutcliff-senpai...?"

"In the flesh," Grell giggled, "How much have you had to drink, hon?" The feminine man asked as he began to run a hand through the younger reaper's hair.
Henry looked up at the redhead bent over him and gulped, "Like...a glass, seriously. I'm not drunk. I'm just tired. I guess." He placed a hand behind his head, a little embarrassed.
"...Oh. Well, that's no fun." Grell stood up and crossed his arms, immediately disappointed that his previously-anticipated fun of messing with a tipsy Henry was over. "Party's over, though. Wiru says everybody out, in so many words."
"Ah."
Pretending she did not just see that discussion, Lauren whistled nonchalantly while she swept, "I guess shinigami are kinda like humans when they party. Indeed, just like college kids."

Taylor stopped wiping the table with the rag she had grabbed from the kitchen and shuffled over to Grell and Henry, "Grell could you please go get the cleaner off that top shelf for me in the kitchen?"
Grell eyed her and chuckled.
Taylor waved a dismissal at him, "Yes yes, I'm short I know, now shoo! Thank you." She turned to Henry, "Sorry, he's just a bit drunk."
Henry watched as Grell disappeared into the kitchen, "Uh...huh...well not your fault, heh."
"You may want to make yourself scarce soon unless you want Will telling you to help with the clean up."
Henry broke his gaze from Grell's direction and snapped back to himself, "Oh right...yeah, thanks. Certainly was an interesting time with you humans around. Never seen the bosses act so odd. We never would have taken them for befriending humans to this extent."
Taylor raised her arms slightly, "Well what can I say? People are always full of surprises. Glad you enjoyed yourself."
"Thanks, maybe we'll meet up again sometime!"
Taylor watched as the brunette reaper waved a farewell and made his way out of the building. She turned back to the others, "Alrighty! What's left?"

Lauren looked up, "Umm...I don't see anything else that's seriously damaged or in near danger of spontaneously combusting."

They ignored the mumbled "honestly" from You-Know-Who.

"Well, I'll just need to finish washing the tabletops," Taylor grabbed her rag from earlier and the cleaner Grell had retrieved, "Won't take but a minute. You are now free to go whenever my friend! With Ron out of commission though..." She eyed William.

Ronald looked up long enough to point and let out a comical little "HAHA" at William before he flipped over and tightly squeezed his pillow.

Taylor tried to stifle her laughter before she caught William looking at her and she coughed, "Well...is there anywhere we can put him?"
William looked at the subordinate curled on the couch, "Just leave him there. There is no point in trying to move him. He won't be late for work at least. I will wake him tomorrow at the appropriate time," then he glanced at the clock and promptly adjusted his glasses. "Make that later today."
"In that case I suppose you'll be taking Lauren home? We can't very well stay in the shinigami realm tonight."
"It can't be helped." William reluctantly agreed.
Lauren tapped her foot, "Weeeeell, you coooould lemme ask Undertaker for a lift. Then he'll just have to stay with me tonight anyway 'cause it'll be too late for him to come back home and whatnot." A smirk spread slowly across her face.

"Would that even work?" Taylor asked, remembering that Undertaker had returned to his place of business a couple months previously and they had no idea when he would return for a visit.
After a moment, Lauren shrugged and subsided, "This is just me being lonely. It's actually probably a bad idea...he needs to work."

Feeling sorry for her friend, Taylor walked toward her intending to give her a hug, but Grell beat Taylor to it and gently wrapped his arms around Lauren's shoulders. Taylor stopped for a second before saying, "Aw what the heck," and kept walking and hugged both of them, firmly ignoring William's immense uneasiness.

However, Lauren stared intentionally at William to address his uneasiness as she said, "Thanks, guys."
William shifted uncomfortably, "Honestly, it is as though there are two Sutcliffs."
"Ugh!" Taylor released herself from the hug, "You just HAD to throw the 'honestly' in there didn't ya? Never mind. The child is tired," she poked Lauren, "even I'm a bit tired. Shall we head outwards? I'm done with these tables."

Lauren nodded, "Yup, I guess so. Bye, Ronald! Good to see you again!"
Ronald muttered something unintelligible and let out a rather loud laugh.
"...Uh-huh."

"Aaaw," Taylor walked over and poked Ronald, "I don't know why he always drinks so much just to have the massive hangover later...anyway," She turned to William, "Congrats William-senpai."
The stoic man raised an eyebrow.
"Well, this was your party after all and it went fairly decently. May have gone 3 hours over schedule but in the end what does it truly matter? At this point you can just get Lauren home and turn in yourself."
"You are lecturing me." William said flatly.
"Am I? Hmm, perhaps…I get talkative when I'm tired sometimes. Shall we shove off Grell?"
At that moment, Grell released a long yawn and swaggered to keep his balance.
"I take that as a yes."
Lauren looked at Grell a little worried, "Is Grell capable of transporting you in his condition? I don't think he's that bad off, but still. Heck, even Ron's not seriously drunk. He's not even spouting off nonsense like last time." She glanced at Ronald with some suspicion.
William followed her glance, "He is probably just letting on so as to get out of work in a few hours... I suppose he'll just have to deal with overt—"
"WAH, I'M UP! I'M UP!" Ronald jumped up, "Whoa..." He wavered and placed hand on his forehead before he sat down slowly, "...I'm down. Ugh, my head..."
William released a heavy sigh at Ronald's ridiculousness and shook his head, "Just go back to sleep, Ronald Knox."
Lauren yawned, "Mmmm, sleep. We all could use some."
"Indeed. I suppose I must ensure you get home safely now." William again adjusted his glasses.
Lauren looked up at William with a tired smile.
"I don't need to be put into a situation where I'd have to explain your disappearance to your relatives. And what that would do to your cinematic rec—"
"Okay, we get it, William. Why don't we just go, please," Lauren's smile turned to a grimace, "Oh yeah, and congratulations."

Taylor studied the inebriated Grell, "Nah he can transport me just fine, might not be the most pleasant trip but I'm sure I'll survive. It's not like he's drinking and driving, haha! And thank you William. I won't torture you with a hug this time." She smiled.
William glared down at her, "How thoughtful."
"IIII'LL DO IT!" Grell skipped over and draped himself over William.

"Sutcliff, if you do not release me immediately I will not hesitate to give you a whole week of unpaid overtime."
"So cruel! You wouldn't really work me to death would you?"
"Don't test me, Sutcliff."
Taylor sighed, although she was slightly amused, "Cooome on Grell, we need to go home." She grabbed his arm and tried to peel him off of William, "And Lauren reeeeally needs to go home. Please?"
A dramatic sigh came from Grell before he answered, "Okay, let's go then..."

Lauren dragged herself along towards William. Taylor recognized the look on her human friend's face; she was desperately resisting the urge to lean on William and give up on walking altogether. "Goodbye Grell and Taylor. It was a very good night, no?"

"Indeed it was," Taylor whispered in Lauren's ear, "Aww, come on, go ahead and lean on him, he won't be able to do a thing about it!"

Lauren whispered back, "But Grell would get all jealous..."

"Psh! I don't think he'd consider you a threat. I'm sure he is smart enough to gather that William would never fall for a teenage human, HAA! Just do it."

"Grell tends to get more jealous-acting when he's under the in-flu-ence...Oh, I don't care right now." And she rested her head against William's arm.

William started at Lauren's uncharacteristic behavior and Taylor grinned at the man.
Grell slowly comprehended the scene before him, "He—"
Taylor whacked Grell in the gut, "Relax red one, and let's go home."

William tried to shift his position, "Please remove your head from my arm."
Lauren did not look up, "No."

Taylor chuckled, "We've been nice to you all evening Will, deal with it."
"Mattaku..."

"That counts too y'know."
William glared at her all while she grinned at him and waved, "Bye now, and get her home safely would ya? It would suck if she died."

Lauren groaned, "I feel the love."

The four made to exit the building. A frustrated William continued to try and release himself from the human who was practically sleep-walking and Taylor prodded Grell every so often to keep him balanced. As they made it to the double doors, William reached out with his free arm to flick the light switch off and the room went black. The building was silent save for the snoring of a particular blonde-haired reaper who smiled in his sleep and hugged a pillow closer to his chest.

~DemonCatWithASpork ~

Here is where the fun truly came in! Believe it or not this part was the easiest to write up. That was mostly because I already had the all the dialogue saved from our RP. 99% of the dialogue is what was actually said on the 11th. That last 1% is tweaks so our readers would not get too confused.

To reiterate: This is how we talk and act in real life! I get really freaked out at parties and often have to sit in a corner to calm down. I do also like perching on furniture, like I did on the couch.

In regards to the alcohol names mentioned in the beginning, here is a little info on them:

Albesco is a white wine with complex flavors and a hint of Gewurtztraminer (a white grape grown predominantly in France, USA, Germany, Australia and New Zealand).

Asti Spumante is a dazzling wine. It is the best choice for parties and celebrations.

Borodino is a red wine made of a grape mix from Italy.

Here are our references to the above: .com/blog/tag/europe-wine/ .com/english-wine-list/

Reading this part over together made for some interesting laughs. Here are a few:

"My straw! MY MILKSHAKE ATE MY STRAW!" (DemonCatWithASpork advises you not to edit your fanfiction and drink a milkshake at the same time)

"OH GOD! THERE'S NO PERIOD THERE!"

"It's like William's version of 'blargh!'"

"'Henry turned to his fellows'? I thought that was a typo…He suddenly became EXTREMELY British! Oh please add 'I say!' after that." – DemonCatWithASpork was not amused by DeathByCelloCase's humor -.-

Thank you DeathByCelloCase for helping me keep my grammar in line!

Oh and one other mention: the line where William begins and ends his sentence with "honestly" was a totally legit accident on my part (we were reeeeally tired by that point) so we just rolled with it heheh…

~ DeathByCelloCase~

I think this is my favorite part of the whole story. We had immense amounts of fun RP-ing this. All I have to say is… Oh, us.

I'm so glad this part was basically already written out for us. I'm grateful that it saved DemonCatWithASpork lots of time. She did tweak it a bit and we brainstormed on various fun little insertions, such as Grell and William's conversation about the "spirits" and some added Grell dialogue here and there courtesy of DemonCatWithASpork. Grell was being much too quiet, which is just wrong.

While we power played with the roles here, I gotta say I love RP-ing drunk Ronald! He is too ADORABLE. That's just my head canon version of how he might act when intoxicated, by the way. Re-reading those parts always brings a smile to my face. It's true: everybody loves Ronald Knox.

Oh, and many apologies to DemonCatWithASpork for unintentionally leaving her alone to deal with Ronald, Jake, Frederick, Henry, and Evan. Heh. And you, my dear little demonic feline, are MOST WELCOME for the grammatical assistance. Heil Grammar!

Well, that's all for now! We hope you enjoyed this crazy little tale. Welcome to our minds. They're scary places, aren't they? We know. You're welcome. Kidding, kidding. Thanks so much for reading, and be sure to leave us a comment telling us how you felt about our story. Later!

Interested in what happened in our actual RP? Post a question!

Kuroshitsuji and its characters belong to the amazing Yana Toboso

We do, however, own Leo, Issac, Jasper, Henry, Evan, Frederick, Jake, and ourselves ;)