Author note: This is the last proper chapter. Just an epilogue to go!
Warning: Sex, violence, masochism, bondage, good lord, it's GRELL, that deserves a warning all it's own!
Pair: Grell Sutcliff and William Spears
Disclaimer: I claim no ownership to anything. I've never been to a Disciplinary Hearing (thank heavens) so I'm making it up as I go. Jim, Diggs, Maivis, Rebecca, Alice, and the shinigami of the Committee are my responsibilty, I'm afraid.
"You didn't read the files, did you?" Will spoke into the silence. The quiet had lasted a few minutes now, and even Knox was shifting uncomfortably. The committee members didn't reply. A glance at Jim proved Will right. "All this could have been avoided if you'd all followed official transfer protocol."
"And why is that?" One of the committee men stood up, salt and pepper beard matching his hair colour.
"Because Grell's file has a full description of his history. If any of you had taken the time to read it, we could have avoided this whole fiasco, as well as the incident with Mr Evans earlier in the year. As well as this, it could have made my life easier too. Both files clarify that Grell is the one I'm reported to have abused."
"We've been through this song and dance before." Knox sighed. "Maivis and I are fully prepared to give statements if necessary."
"Thank you Mr Knox." The man nodded.
"The exact phrasing in Grell's file reads 'often appears at work bearing cuts, bruising, and/or bloodstained clothing. In such an event, as well as any other problem, refer the case to William T. Spears. This has been addressed and found to be of no concern of the department'." Will quoted. Maivis smiled.
"Mr Spears always did have a good memory." She murmured to Ronald. "I typed that out myself."
"I believe my own file states 'Takes full responsibility for shinigami Grell Sutcliff, and the physical and mental wellbeing thereof'."
"What do you mean by 'physical and mental wellbeing'?" the other woman asked. She was younger than the others, black hair bobbed at her jaw.
"You may recall that you requested Mr Spears' transfer to your division several times before he agreed to it." Maivis stood. Considering she helped complete the paperwork, she was better qualified to explain it to them. "Mr Spears always refused the transfer on personal grounds."
"I couldn't leave Grell." Will admitted. "Her… his… mental state has always been fragile. Humans have lost their lives following mental deterioration." Grell grinned, sharp teeth bared and eyes alight with the psychotic nature he worked so hard to master.
"You've probably heard of some of my early work. Although 'Jack' is such a dull pseudonym for all the beautiful work my Angelina and I did."
"Excuse me?"
"Ladies and Gentlemen." Will rolled his eyes as Knox's theatrical nature finally overpowered Grell's. "May I introduce you to Jack the Ripper." Grell calmly tossed a pen at his head.
"Again, I apologise for my friend. However, he is correct." He admitted. "Will is quite often my only anchor to this reality. I don't relish the thought of a killing spree, but once I slip and everything is painted red… it's almost impossible for me to turn back. I have taken at least… thirteen souls before their time, and only two of those in the time Will and I have been together."
"My charges were 'sexual and physical harassment of a female co-worker'." Will stood and straightened his jacket. "The aforementioned contact is all consensual, and within personal relationship, wherein it is of no consequence to the department. The co-worker is not even female, so there isn't an ethical issue either. My actions are in fact helping the department stabilise a possible threat to our workload." He smirked. "We hereby end our defence."
It didn't even taken a minutes deliberation for the Disciplinary Committee to reach a decision. The spokeswoman turned to the waiting shinigami.
"We find you innocent." She announced, and then forever endeared herself to Grell by chuckling warmly. "Not that we have much choice. Honestly, this was the shoddiest excuse for a meeting I've ever attended, although it quite possible was one of the more entertaining."
Will smiled slightly as Grell whooped and hugged him, as the committee members quietly exited the room, taken Jim with them for a discussion about checking rumours before reporting them.
"You act almost like you thought they might say 'guilty'." Will teased his lover.
"If I get away with as much as I do," Grell purred "then there was no way in hell you were going to be penalised." Will kissed his forehead, then looked across at where Diggs sat dumbfounded and humiliated. "Anthony Diggs." The young man looked up at his in surprise.
"Yes, sir?" he sounded wary.
"Come see me in my office in an hour, and we'll negotiate."
"Negotiate what, sir?" Will turned that rare smile on him.
"I was thinking a raise, but I recall I have an opening in my office for good team players." Diggs' face lit up with his smile.
"Thank you, sir! I don't deserve this chance."
"You deserve every chance." Grell contradicted. "You're a lot like Will was when he first qualified. OW!" Will had promptly clipped him around the ear, cold façade back in place.
"Enough jabbering, Grell. Go buy them a coffee to say thanks." The redhead pouted and skulked away to collect his giggling friends, the women all being charmed by Knox. "And Grell?" Grell turned back, a hopeful smile already in place. "There's a new skirt and pair of high heels waiting for you in my office."
TBC