Chapter 009: Blue Soup
Authors notes: Grell as always played by Tino, William T. Spears by Ethan, Sebastian by me
Warnings: Yaoi, very sudden end of scene (since Ethan had to leave and the important parts were done)
Grell Sutcliff was standing in the kitchen, his eyes darting to the clock around every 30 seconds. It was almost time and he knew both guys would be exactly on time...all except him. Why had he thought it to be a good idea to cook again? Well, at least the soup smelled nicely. Potato-Leek-Soup had sounded easy enough and it had not been too bad to make. Whatever was in the oven had been in there for a while already and was supposed to be ready soon as well. He took a deep breath and wiped his face, leaving behind some flour there. He again looked at the clock and cursed. It was time.
Sebastian Michaelis arrives at Grell's apartment right on time, as it is custom he brings a small gift, a bottle of dark red Greek dessert wine, Mavrodaphne. Moving up the stairs he stops in front of the door, politely not peeking inside, and knocks. Wearing something this casual is unusual for him, but he decided that his more formal clothing could add to the tension.
William T. Spears took a look at his watch as he stepped up to the red heads door exactly on time. His expression ice and his eyes slit in his usual half angry look. As expected Sebastian was there and he grudgingly gave the other a nod whether he bothered to notice him or not for Grell's sake. Not that he was even certain yet why he was agreeing to this, but here he was. A last minute unnecessary check of himself making sure everything was in place and a press of his hand to his frames, a small box under his other arm as he let the demon do the knocking with the faintest hint of a smile under his hand.
Grell Sutcliff groaned when the knock came. his hands on the counter, taking a deep breath, before he turned away from the massacre and made his way over to open the door. A slightly burned smell now came from the oven. He opened the door and smiled, even though it looked slightly tortured. Flour in his face. The unmistakable smell of burned something. Yep, all was ready. "Good evening, I see both of you are on time, as expected." he said as he moved aside to let both men enter.
Sebastian Michaelis nods to William in a rather cold fashion as answer and waits for Grell to open. When he does he smiles and enters. Taking the redheads hand he bows and brings it to his lips, kissing the back all gentlemanly. When he straightens he offers the bottle of wine, a red bows wrapped around the neck. "For you, mia luna rossa." he tells him, ignoring William for now.
William T. Spears arched up a brow at the flour as he let his gaze move over the red head, that little bit of a smile growing at the sight of his tulip and those pants he decided he rather liked in that moment. He pushed his frames up and entered behind Sebastian, only vaguely surprised he even got noticed this time. Probably a show for Grell no doubt. He looked up and away at the others display as he gave a little bow to the other shinigami waiting his turn peacefully and offered the box out in front of him. It gave off the smell of butter cream frosting.
Grell Sutcliff smiled less tortured when Sebastian kisses his hand so gallantly and took the bottle that was offered to him. He leaned in and placed a gentle kiss to the demon's cheek. "Thank you, Sebastian." Then he turned to Will and took the box from him with the same gentle smile. There was no hesitation as he kissed Will's cheek as well. Yes there last meeting had been crappy, but this was an evening of peacemaking. And he had mentally prepared himself. A will of iron if he had to. "Thank you, Will." He put the bottle and the box on the counter. By now a very strong smell of something burning hung in the air.
Sebastian Michaelis' eyes find the oven and since he already knows the kitchen, he at once gets something to protect his fingers and remove whatever is burning from its fate to become charcoal through and through. Placing it on the stone counter he studies it, trying to decipher what it was supposed to be. "Could you open the window wide please?" he asks the two of them.
William T. Spears shifted to return the slightest bit of a peck as he gave Grell his best attempt at a smile. "You're welcome. You look nice." He offered as he moved to the door and window leaving the door open a crack and the window open wide before returning carefully reaching for the smudge of flour while the demon dealt with the kitchen.
Grell Sutcliff groaned again. His eyes had followed Sebastian and suddenly he pouted slightly. "It was supposed to be Pot Roast, but I think I did something wrong there..." he admitted looking rather helpless for a moment. "But I think the soup should be fine. At least it smells good." He looked up as Will touched his face to remove the smudge and he actually blushed. Yes, he was a mess in the kitchen. If Sebastian lifted the lid of the pot of soup, it would really smell nice and have a very nice shade of...blue.
Sebastian Michaelis does just that and lifts a brow. Well, humans had a peculiar taste, after all. He leaves the soup be and returns to inspecting the former roast beef, then smiles to Grell. "Might I borrow your kitchen please?" he asks politely, not even admitting to himself how much it annoys him that the redhead stands so close to the other shinigami.
William T. Spears' face took on a slightly less icy expression and his lip twitched up. Well at least some things didn't change. Made him glad he could manage sensible meals. Never anything elaborate but it got the job done and fed well. "Probably forgot water in the base of the pan." He suggested as he carefully removed food debris from his partner, giving the kitchen and Sebastian an emotionless glance before his attention returned to the red head. He was suddenly glad he brought food even if it was desert. "As thoughtful as the gesture is, why did you not just order out like usual?"
Grell Sutcliff really looked helpless now and shrugged. "I wanted this evening to be special. So, I thought I'd cook. It didn't sound so hard, but..." He bit his lip and looked over to Sebastian. "Yes, sure. If you want to." He looked at Will again. "Could you set the table? You know where everything is." Of course the other Shinigami knew. He even had a key to the apartment, after all. Then Grell moved over to the kitchen, too and looked at the soup, his face a mask of utter horror for a moment. "Blue...?" Then he hid his face in his hands and his shoulders started to twitch. He looked very much like he was crying, but he actually was laughing, absolutely helpless.
Sebastian Michaelis looks amused over his shoulder, then joins Grell at the stove. "Yes, an absolutely exceptional dish. " he agrees. His breath tickles Grell's ear and moves the soft strands of hair framing his face. He doesn't do more to tease him, instead looks through the available ingredients, what kind of tools were there and choosing some, he gets to work.
William T. Spears cocked his head at the answer and his brows twitching up were the only reaction to the reason for cooking. It made sense of course, but this was Grell they were talking about. He gave a nod to the request and made his way to the part of the kitchen where the dishes were stored, probably knowing it better than even the red head did as he took out three of everything debated the things in his hands with a faint tap on one glass dish before he returned all but the wine glass of Sebastian's items, hurrying out of the island to start setting it up nicely, avoiding watching the display once more as he set everything in place and moved to his box of desert, taking out the covered plate and setting it on one corner, opening to reveal sensible yet delicious looking cinnamon rolls before looking back into the kitchen, resisting the urge to intervene. He had to keep reminding himself it was for Grell. "Smells nice. Anything else needed?"
Grell Sutcliff glanced to the side when Sebastian was so close and smiled. "Everything I do is exceptional." he answered, the breath on his skin sending a small shiver down his spine. He watched the demon for a moment before he turned and watched Will setting the table. He leaned over the island, his so deliciously covered butt sticking out in perfect view for the demon, just to tease him right back. "Thank you, Will. I think we got all we need. And I love cinnamon rolls." He looked at the dish with longing, knowing full well this was dessert, and not for eating it right now. The he sighed in a low voice. He thought about how peaceful this now was, but he also knew that soon, they would need to talk more seriously.
Sebastian Michaelis can't help but keep an eye on that so nicely presented backside, but even doing that he doesn't make a single bad cut as he removes the charred parts from the pot roast. Identifying the rest of the pots content he gets more vegetable and cuts them in pieces, adding it to the mix together with various spices. He taste tests it every few minutes. "I agree. Exceptional." he comments, looking as if he didn't mean his view. As his eyes shift to the cinnamon rolls he adds. "Please behave. I think they are meant later on as a reward." For what he doesn't say. "The wine I brought should go well with them."
William T. Spears nodded as a genuine smile crossed his lips for his partner. "You're welcome." He offered and took the opportunity to shift over and rest into a seat calculating in his head as he leaned forward on the island resting his elbows. One hand went under the chin to hold him up and the other to his frame to cover the amusement of the fact that it looked as though Grell was giving as good as he got. This Might turn out to be more interesting than he originally figured despite the obviously annoying presence of the demon. "You should rest yourself Grell, I'm sure Sebastian ... " The name said with the slightest hint of revulsion. "Can handle the rest. You at least got everything very nicely started for him." He gave the wine a passing glance though kept most of his attention on the red head.
Grell Sutcliff grinned, knowing quite well that he WAS teasing the demon. Those were THE pants after all. He had chosen his outfit carefully. The tulip in his hair, and the pants. One item for each. "I will behave." he said and moved around to take the seat in the middle, knowing it wouldn't do to have both men sit next to each other. "I'm quite sure Sebas-chan can handle my mess. He's rather skilled." The very playful glance he shot at the demon, using that nickname, was both, teasing and challenging. He felt a lot more relaxed now than he had ever since he sent out the invitations. He looked at Will. "I'm surprised you remembered that I like cinnamon rolls. I think I mentioned that ages ago."
Sebastian Michaelis finally seems to be satisfied with the mixture and puts the pot back into the oven to heat for a little longer. As he bends over it is for a change his backside on display. But not for long, since he quickly returns to the table. "It should be ready in 10 minutes." he announces, sitting down and inspects his sleeves for spots. Something red shows as he moves and a moment later a bracelet slips down his arm, made of soft material in the same red as Grell's hair.
William T. Spears rather liked the pants himself though he was much more pleased about the tulip. A bit of a grin hitched at his lips upon the nickname. He could not help disliking giving the demon any name but akuma but he was attempting to be accepting. "So I have heard." He looked back to the rolls and shifted to face more toward Grell. "There's very little I don't remember about you." He offered in a much softer and less iced tone. He did not bother to watch the display from the demon though he could not miss that flash of red hair. A slight teeth grinding and a lean forward had him close enough for a kiss but he held back. "I would have brought red velvet but seemed too much." He breathed out before leaning back again.
Grell Sutcliff was interested in the display of the demon bending down, his eyes catching the movement even while he was talking to Will. When Sebastian sat down and the bracelet slipped out, his eyes lit up. He was really wearing it. Will coming so close to him and talking about such a fine treat made him smile. "Hm...Red velvet would not have been the worst idea. But cinnamon rolls are just as good." He shifted slightly, the foot that had been pointing into Sebastian's direction the whole time suddenly gently brushed against the demon's leg. Then he took a deep breath again. "Alright. 10 minutes should be a start. Both of you know why I invited you here. We need to talk about this. I really don't want any more fighting. Or very regrettable actions." He glanced at Will when he said the last words.
Sebastian Michaelis sits very straight, wrapping one arm around his body, his elbow resting on it and his knuckles just touching his lips. " I don't attack without being provoked. And you being afraid of him and in pain would have been reason enough. As long as he makes you happy and doesn't harm you, I can accept him in your life. If he hurts you, I will rip his soul in tiny little pieces and spit them all over the place, followed by his limbs." He admits freely as if he would talk about the weather. A smile graces his lips, but it doesn't reach the cool expression in his eyes.
William T. Spears 's lips twitched up a little though he made a mental note of the reaction shifting slightly toward the table. "They were the better choice for a 'friendly' gathering." Thankfully the movement made him miss the seemingly common play the two had that was rather annoying him. He moved to rest his arm on the table and rests his head against his hand, fingers pressing at his frame as he gave a side glance to Sebastian and looking disinterested and icy as usual. "I do everything for a reason. I am tolerant for your sake, Hanabi, and no other." He did not seem to be phased by the threat though it made him want to stab the demon all over again just to show he couldn't be threatened.
Grell Sutcliff had to suppress a chuckle at Sebastian's words. It was rare to see the demon threatening somebody so openly, and it spoke volumes to the redhead. The thought of the demon ripping somebody apart for his sake made him shiver slightly, even though he didn't want the victim to be called William T. Spears. He looked at Will, but his foot remained in contact With Sebastian's leg. "Will, I am aware you do everything for a reason. But I would like you to respect my wishes a little more. You scared me. And you knew you would." He had to speak his mind about this. "But. I forgive you." He smiled softly again, his voice becoming rather soft, taking that quality it only had when he was singing. He put his hand softly to Will's cheek and looked into his eyes.
"I treasure your love
I never want to lose it
You've been through the fires of hell,
and I know you've got the ashes to prove it"
Then he let go of the other Shinigami, stood up, moved over to Sebastian. He took the demon's hand, and looked into his eyes.
"I treasure your love
I want to show you how to use it
You've been through a lot of pain in the dirt,
and I know you've got the scars to prove it.
Remember everything that I told you,
and I'm telling you again that it's true
You're never alone, 'cause you can put on the 'phones,
and let the drummer tell your heart what to do"
The look from his green eyes was soft, caressing, but showing a deep understanding as well.
Sebastian Michaelis listens, remembering the times they shared in music and his smile becomes less cold. Taking Grells hand he brings it to his chest, his eyes only on the redhead as he answers "There's always something magic
There's always something new
And when I really really need it the most,
that's when my evil dreams come true, with you.
This beat is yours more than ever,
Know when danger wants it's due
And when you really really need it the most,
that's when demonic dreams come true,
For you!"
The words are out before he can think of them and only belatedly he remembers the other shinigami in the room. Now he can only hope that one would still see those lines as him satiating his hunger on Grell and his Bloodmoon getting his wish of being treated nicely. He unintentionally revealed too much there
William T. Spears did not feel the need to recount what had been settled so he chose not to react at all though he knew well what he had intended had been to cause the fear. He kept his eyes only on the uppermost part of Grell, looking into the red heads eyes and shifting into the touch on his cheek. He let his eyes lull and his while self absorb the words like resting in a hot spring the felt so very nice. For some reason there was a pang of loss when his flower moved away his hand and gaze dropping as he attempted to ignore the attention to the demon. He still could not trust anything good the demon said or did especially after knowing what he did. The words from the demon made him look up and sidelong once again a shift in his jaw line where his teeth ground. He heard what the demon wanted him to all right, but it was not hard to miss that other hint either and to show he was not stupid enough to miss it a little grin of knowing was given to the akuma before he covered it with his hand. The demon was not the only one accustomed to hiding his feelings. He'd not join in on their little ballad though rather just remaining silent.
Grell Sutcliff rested his hand against the demon's chest, feeling each beat of his heart underneath his fingers. The words filled him with warmth. He had understood the meaning behind each of the words. The softness in his eyes was enough to show that to Sebastian. After a long moment he finally broke eyes contact with the demon and looked back towards Will. He held out one of his hands to the other shinigami, silently asking him to come closer, to take his hand as well. "All I ask of the both of you is to tolerate each other. I do not need you to be friends, to like each other or even be in the same room as the other, most of the time. All I ask is that you both respect my love for the other. Because that will not change. Never." he said in his clear, strong voice. "If we can agree on that, I think our lives will be much easier from now on." Then he leaned down and whispered into Sebastian's ear, so low only the demon could hear it, with a very seductive tone and smile on his face "Pot Roast."
Sebastian Michaelis dons a lecherous grin, looking as if he would tell him something veeeeery dirty as he brings his lips close to Grell's ear in revenge, his words hidden by the red strands and his voice low enough to not carry further than needed to be heard by the redhead. "Served with vegetables and sauce.. after the soup." and with fluid elegance he gets up to fill the soup into two bowls, put them on the table and quickly pull the main dish out of the oven to cool to a more tolerable temperature while they eat. Returning to the table he sits down and looks expectantly at the others.
William T. Spears saw the hand come out for him and was hesitant at first to take the offering. To anyone else it might seem only seconds that he waited but it was an eternity that he debated for himself. With a sight intake of breath he shifted out of his chair taking both the red heads hand and his seat, at least until the other was ready to sit again. Although that thought had him getting some mischief in his mind. "I can accept that." He agreed in his usual tone his gaze shifting back to the demon with only a hint of a down twitch. He was getting better at this. He shifted forward but other than that made no move for the food or seemed intent to let go of the hand that he had accepted. "Sounds delectable,"
Grell Sutcliff chuckled softly at the answer from the demon, the game just too amusing. He glanced up at Will, glad the other had taken his hand. The fact that Will had taken his place didn't bother him at all. He was glad the other had taken his hand. And that he had accepted his proposal. He watched Sebastian serve the blue soup. Oh dear why did he use that stupid blue string again? Well, there was no way to remedy this. It smelled good. It just was...blue. He held Will's hand for a moment longer, his fingers gently caressing the other's, then he released it and picked up one of the pots and a spoon. He turned his back to the table, right at the corner, standing between the two men he loved. "Here goes nothing...Blue soup. Sebastian, you have medical knowledge, right? Just in case I am poisoning us right now." he said and ate the first spoon full of the blue stuff.
Sebastian Michaelis doesn't answer to that, he just looks mildly amused and curious about what will happen to his redhead. He knew a bit about caring for the sick, having a young Master and all, but he wasn't really happy when he had to do it. This time it is his foot that finds Grell's leg and subtly glides up along it as he crosses his legs at the knee.
William T. Spears actually smiled then shifting a bit closer so Grell to let something other than his hand touch his knee, gently caressing as he reached for his own bowl giving it a calculating look. He felt a little pang at his hand being released. He waited for the red head to eat first, it was his food after all, before he braved the food. He looked up keeping his attention away from the demons interactions though it seemed to be bothering him less and less mainly because it made his partner happy. "If not, the hospital is close." He moved his own spoon to his lips and waited blowing on it.
[00:12] Grell Sutcliff swallowed and blinked a few times, then he smiled. "Okay, passed the first test, I'm not blind. I think it is edible." He slightly shifted his leg to the touch, enjoying this little bit of intimacy between himself and Sebastian. He fully sat down on the table, moving his other leg so his foot came to rest between Will's legs, but without it being in his way. Building a bridge between the two guys. Yeah, that was almost what it felt like. "The Undertaker's is closer." he mused. He tried a second spoon full and the he laughed. "Okay, edible, but...strange..." He put the bowl down behind himself and shook his head. "Will don't eat that...not even for my sake...I just have to face it, I'm a horrible cook. I'm just glad Sebastian isn't so the rest of the food should be okay."
Sebastian Michaelis just humbly bows his head and gets up to take the bowls, if Will gave his up too. What exactly he does with the former pot roast isn't visible, but when he returns to the table he carries two plates with meat in a light vegetable cream sauce, with some rolls as side dish and bowls of salad. Placing the better filled plate in front of Grell he smirks. "You need to eat well, my dear luna rossa. Now you have two men to satisfy in all kinds of ways." He doesn't look at William, but takes his place at the table again, not minding at all watching them eat. He would get his meal another time.
William T. Spears shifted a leg up to rest it against the foot that was on his leg a little smirk crossing his lips at the test. He rested the spoon back into the bowl and set it onto the island, still looking rather amused. "I would rather Not get him involved more then he already is." He murmured out in his icy tone looking toward the oven. "I hope at least the roast is good, I made sure not to eat." His eyes followed the demons movements but he said nothing about it rather just having a jaw twitch at the comment. Grin and bear it for Grell he had to remind himself once more. "For once I agree." He muttered, taking up his own plate that was offered and waiting again. He was strong but not stupid, better to let the master of disaster try first.
Grell Sutcliff still chuckled when Sebastian brought the food over, taking his plate. The food smelled delicious. "Thank you...and believe me, I got enough energy. How did you once put it? An overabundance? Now I can put that to good use." But inwardly he agreed. All kinds of ways. Yes, he better keep his strength up. His eyes met Sebastian's for a moment, showing him that he knew pretty much he would give the devil his due in the future. He tried the food, but not as careful as he had been with the soup. He trusted in Sebastian's skills. A low moan escaped him. "Hmmmm...that's so good..." He hungrily started to eat more. "I'm starving. I haven't eaten all day...and i was surrounded by food all the time." He looked back to Will. "Try it, this is really great. I don't know how he does it, but Sebastian really saved this mess of mine." The comment about Will not eating all day and hoping at least this dish was okay made him feel a little guilty.
Sebastian Michaelis keeps smirking and raises a brow at the dark haired shinigami, daring him to refuse the dish he prepared, just because it was made by a demon. "I'm the butler of the Phantomhive household. It goes without saying that I can handle something like this." Leaning back he returns to the position he sat in earlier, his foot at Grell's calf while he watches him eat. His own hunger became stronger again, but he would take his time, he wanted his meal slow and exciting and delicious, thus he lets the redheads soul marinate in his happiness, he would spice it with pleasure and a little pain when the time came.
William T. Spears looked down at the plate before he took his own bite and was surprised to find it delicious and not poisoned by his rival. Though he was certain the other had at least contemplated it. He did not outwardly react to his liking of it other than to take another bite, being sure to act as though it were just another meal. He made no response to Grell's cooking skills since he had at least tried and that was what counted. He let his gaze flick toward the demon and commented in his usual ice tone between bite. "Tolerable akuma." was the best compliment he would get, though it did make him wonder how and when the demon would plan to move on his partner again. After a few more bites he looked up and a grin was on his lips. "I hope the rolls will get such a reaction from my hanabi."
Grell Sutcliff once again smiled at Sebastian. "Kimi wa akuma de shitsuji desu kara" Both words, Akuma and Shitsuji came out so softly, almost like a caress by his voice, still so hard to recognize as male or female. His green eyes rested on the demon's face for a moment before he continued to eat. He knew that all that had happened lately would be enjoyed by his bat out of hell at a later point. When they were alone. Because he didn't want Will to witness that. It was too painful to bear without showing the pain, and it was too intimate. He looked again to Will and smiled. "Of course they will. you made cinnamon rolls, and I love those. And you are good at cooking too, I remember that." He leaned over and placed a gentle kiss to Will's cheek.
The rest of the meal passed relatively peacefully, with some slightly and some less slightly biting comments, teasing of Grell, delicious cinnamon rolls and wine, and an at least civil good bye between Sebastian and William when Mr. Spears suddenly claimed to have to leave.