Chapter 13

Last chapter I was in such a rush to get out I failed to put in any author's notes. My beta wrote a good chunk of the fight scene between Jack and Will. I had been thinking on writing one, but it hadn't gotten that far yet and in discussing it with her, she wrote a good bit.

The buzzing of the alarm clock woke William and he reached over and shut it off before putting on his glasses. He turned over and gave Grell a shake. "Grell, it is time to get up." Grell simply groaned and pulled the covers over her head. William grabbed the covers and yanked them down. "Come on."

"A woman needs her beauty sleep, Will," she grumbled sleepily.

"You are beautiful enough, now get up," he answered as he got up to get dressed and wake up Thomas. He walked down the hall and opened his bedroom door. "Thomas, get up." Thomas groaned and pulled the covers over his head. William rubbed the bridge of his nose and sighed. He may look more like William, but he acted more like Grell. Grell he could threaten with overtime (or no sex, depending on the situation), but unfortunately there wasn't much he could threaten Thomas with. "Thomas," he called louder and sterner.

"Do I have to?"

"Yes, you do."

Thomas reluctantly crawled out of the bed and began to get dressed. "I still don't see why I have to go to that human school," he groused.

"We have been over this. The only school in our realm is for training new reapers and you are too young for that. If your mother and I had the time to teach you ourselves, we would. If you decide to do what we do, this education will help you. Remember that all of us used to be human at one point. Now hurry up. I shall not accept being late on account of your laziness."

"Yes, sir."

William left the room and headed downstairs while Thomas finished dressing before heading to the bathroom to wash his face. He opened the door without knocking. "Thomas!" his mother shrieked quickly shutting her robe. "For heaven's sake, sweetie," she said more gently, "you need to learn how to knock. What if your father had been in here with me?" He gave her a puzzled look. He didn't understand what difference that would have made. "Go on down to breakfast, darling. I'll be there in a minute."

"But-"

"No 'buts'. Just go," Grell said crossly. Thomas went, closing the door behind him. Grell opened her robe again. The scar from her cesarean had all but faded. It was barely visible, but the one that ran along her chest stuck out to her in a most unsightly manner. A constant reminder to her of her infidelity and how lucky she had been to have not died that night, if Undertaker had not showed up when he did. She noticed the scar stopped just above where her uterus sat. If the scythe had cut her any lower, she would have lost Thomas whether or not she had lived. And she would never have known what she would have almost had.

Now her body was even more of a freak to her. To everyone. Neither male nor female but caught somewhere in between. How could William say there was nothing wrong with her? That she was beautiful, when she looked like this. Words. They were just words. His actions toward her lately spoke volumes. She couldn't remember the last time they were intimate and every time she tried to initiate, he pushed her away.

A gentle knock on the door pulled her out of her mind's wanderings. "Papa wants to know what's taking so long," Thomas spoke from the other side.

She blinked away the tears that had been threatening to spill and answered him. "Your father knows perfectly well that beauty takes time and that I refuse to go into work looking like a troll. He can leave without me if he is too impatient." She closed her robe and completed the task that she had come in there for. She filled the little glass next to the sink with water and swallowed her morning dose.

Grell left the bathroom and finished dressing before heading down to join the family for breakfast. Afterwards, Thomas kissed his mother goodbye. He forced himself to stay still while his father combed his hair down then created a portal to the human realm, stepping out into an alley so as not to seen. He had gotten jumping down, but he still had problems cloaking himself from the humans.

Humans. All reapers had once been human, his father said, but Thomas had not been. He may not understand some things, but he knew how becoming a reaper worked, mostly because his father had been drilling the rules of the realm into his head since he had been born. He wasn't natural to their world. There was something else too. His parents had tried to keep him from it, but he had heard the whispers, seen the stares from other reapers and looks of disgust. Half-demon.

From an early age, he knew that demons were a touchy subject with his father, so he would try to ask his mother, "What am I?" She would hug him and tell him he was whatever he wanted to be. "That's not what I-" She changes the subject. He didn't understand. He didn't feel like a demon. But how would he know what it feels like to be part demon? He could not recall ever meeting a demon before. Did this mean the man he believed to be his father wasn't really his father? Or his mother perhaps. For all he knew, neither of them were really his parents. Finding a half-demon baby abandoned in the streets and taking it home to raise it sounded exactly like something his mother would do.

He took off his cap and mussed his hair back to his liking. Thomas left the alley after replacing his cap, but instead of heading toward the school, he turned towards the nearest sweet shop and peered through the window at the delicacies it housed.

(x)

She peered through the crack in the bathroom door, watching the others go to lunch. When the coast was clear, she dashed down the hall to the dispatch supervisor's office. Between Thomas and work, they hardly got any time to themselves, but even that had been taken away by William's excuses. So she was taking this chance. She needed to know that he had not grown tired of her. That he still wanted her and her freakish body.

Grell quickly shut the door behind her and, opening her red trench coat, struck a sexy pose. "I've brought you your lunch, darling. I hope you are hungry."

William looked up at her, his eyes roved over her scantily clad form and sending chills down her spine before they returned to the paperwork in front of him. She bit her lip and marched over to him. She snatched the pen out of his hand and threw it aside. She then took a seat on the desk in front of him, sitting right on top of the papers. "Grell, I do not have the time to…"

She pressed a finger to his lips. "Shush. You have been running yourself ragged. Don't you think it's time you took a break and relieved some stress?" she asked provocatively, parting her legs so the short skirt of her lingerie rode up further to give him a full view of her arousal. She slipped a foot out of one of the high heels she wore to rub her toes along his leg. He scooted his chair back out of her reach.

"Not now, Grell," he said coolly, getting up to retrieve his pen.

"But Thomas will be home by the time we are done with work here. We have a chance right now, and we used to do it at this time quite frequently, if you recall," she grinned at him.

"I said 'no'. I have too much work to do and I am certain you do as well."

"'I have work to do'. 'I am too tired'. That's all you ever say anymore," she spat, growing irate. "You may be able to turn off your sexual urges, William, but I have needs. Am I just not appealing to you anymore? Have you finally grown tired of waking up to the same old boring face every morning?"

"Do not be absurd. It has nothing to do with you."

"Then what is it? Because I can't think of anything else it could be."

"Everything is not about you."

She gasped. "It's another woman isn't it?"

"What?" He asked incredulously, looking at her if she was crazy. "Between you, work, and our son, when would I have time for anyone else?"

"You don't really have any time for me lately, do you? So it's either another woman or it's me that's the cause of your lack of interest."

"You really are one of the most selfish people I know."

"So now I'm selfish as well. I'm not only a bore and a freak, but I'm selfish too. Thank you so much for making your feelings clear." She took off her other heel and threw it at his head before heading for the door.

"Grell, hold on a minute."

"Go to hell, William!" She slammed the door behind her.

She ignored the wolf whistles and cat calls directed at her by the returning agents as she stormed to the bathroom and retrieved her things. Then she headed home without bothering to change. There was no way she was going to continue working today. Not with the knowledge of how William really felt about her.

Meanwhile, William sat back down in his chair wondering just what had gotten into his wife. Her last words had really hurt him, though he knew she couldn't possibly mean them. He had been telling the truth. He had been tired, exhausted even when he finished work. Work that was constant of late. What with the upcoming war. The Great War, the higher ups were calling it. They were going to need every reaper they could get to handle the death tolls and the head of every department were busy organizing and preparing for it on top of their everyday work load.

It wasn't that he didn't want to be intimate with Grell. He had had a hard time resisting just a few moments ago. His mind was just too preoccupied with current events to think about anything else and apparently Grell could not see that. No, she had to blow everything out of proportion and he hadn't made anything better, had he? Grell really could be most selfish, but he should not have said it out loud. Instead, he had let the stress and Grell's irrational temper get to him.

Not for the first time, he considered resigning from his position as supervisor. Then his conscience whispered the same as it always did when he considered it. Who would take his place? Would they be stricter on the agents under his charge? Would they protect Grell from getting too many violations? No, he had to stay where he was, as stressful as it was.

William looked down at the work around him. The human world was falling apart and if he wasn't careful his marriage was headed that way too. Everything here was not due until the next day. It would still be here later if he chose to spend a few moments alone with his wife. He could always finish it tonight, but first he would work a little longer, give Grell some time to cool off.

(x)

There was so much to see and explore in London. So many shop windows to look into. Certainly much better than sitting in a dusty old classroom all day. Allured by the scents emitting from one particular shop, he pressed his nose against the window. It smelled so wonderful he wished he had brought some pocket money with him. Then he could buy one of the sweet smelling goods to go along with what his mother had packed for him in his lunch pail. He decided he would definitely bring some tomorrow. But first he would need to figure out how to access his piggybank without his father finding out. He was rather strict about spending money frivolously.

Another scent mingled amongst the baked goods. A smell that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. He turned around to see a dark haired man staring at him from across the street. A man with crimson eyes. It was giving him the willies. A hand landed on his shoulder and he nearly jumped out of his skin. He looked up. "U-uncle Ronnie?"

"Your one and only," he smiled down at him. Thomas glanced back towards the mysterious man. He was gone. "Aren't ya supposed to be in school?" Thomas gave a nervous laugh. "Look kid, I ain't gonna peach on ya this time, but ya shouldn't make a habit of it. Take it from a professional slacker. Ya don't wanna be in the hot seat when the Boss finds out."

"Papa gets onto mother about her paperwork all the time."

"A good example," Ronald winked. He spotted an ice cream vendor and guided him over to it. He purchased enough for the both of them then they sat down on a nearby bench to enjoy it. "Paperwork is important in what we do," Ronald said, picking the conversation back up, "but it can be dreadfully dull, just like going to school can be dull, but school is just as important."

"Did you have to go to school when you were a kid?"

Ronald nodded. "In my day, school was harder to come by for the everyday sort, but I was one of the privileged few. However, I thought school was boring and a waste of my time, especially as I got older. Why should I go to school? I'm just going to inherit my family's fortune. I'd rather spend my time partying and chasing girls, among other things and look where it got me. Though I still enjoy partying and chasing girls, I try not to let it interfere with work too much. The point is, your parents want what's best for ya and for ya to have the best, ya got to have a good education. You'll appreciate it when ya get older."

(x)

Her bags were packed, then unpacked, the packed again before being flung across the room. She sat down on the edge of the bed with her arms wrapped around her midsection. She wished she could make up her mind. William didn't lover her anymore so there was no point in staying, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. She had gotten by before, but she didn't know if she could endure that life again. She didn't want to. If she left, what would be done about Thomas?

She slowly got to her feet and went downstairs to stand in front of the fireplace where several photographs had taken up residence with the dolls she had created long ago. Among them were pictures of her closest friends, one that had been previously crumpled and smoothed out, but the one that held her gaze was their wedding picture. She wondered if she was just being silly. It wouldn't be the first time she had overreacted, but it didn't excuse William's behavior. So preoccupied with her thoughts, she did not hear the door open or William approach her from behind.

He gently moved aside her hair to expose her neck and kissed it. "I'm sorry," he murmured into her ear. "You were right about not having any time for you. I have brought you something." She turned around to face him. He held out a rose. "A single red rose of perfect, untainted beauty that still does not compare to its recipient."

"How perfectly romantic," she answered, but she wasn't smiling.

"I admit I am not the author, but I borrowed it as it describes one of the many ways I feel about you." He reached out to run a hand through her hair. She batted it away.

"You think pretty words and a flower will fix this? I want to believe you, William, but I can't. I don't know why you're keeping up this farce. I know you don't love me anymore." Grell hung her head in sorrow.

William wrapped his arms around her and held close as she buried her face in his chest. "You are so wrong, Grell. Where did you get such an idea? I have not stopped loving you. Work has been very stressful lately and I am afraid I have been taking it out on you. For that I am sorry. As per your accusation that I'm seeing someone else, you are the only one in my life. You are the one that I married and that isn't going to change…And that lingerie is driving me up the wall." He lifted her head and pressed his lips to hers.

One thing William knew how to do was kiss and her head was often turned whenever he did so. "Mm," Grell pulled away. Her cheeks flushed. "Will, I'm-"

"Shut up and kiss me," he said harshly.

"I'm trying to apologize," she snapped back.

"And we don't have a lot of time. So if you want me to be intimate with you, you will shut up and enjoy it."

"Nn~" She grinned and pushed him back towards the couch. "So cold."

The last of the cinematic record reeled to a close. Ronald leaned on his scythe and stamped "complete" in his ledger.

"That's so cool, Uncle Ronnie!" Thomas exclaimed excitedly.

"I'm not too shabby, but you should see your parents in action. I'm surprised they haven't taken you out on the job yet."

"Papa thinks there would be trouble from the Board if they did. He won't say why but I think it's because I'm…well, you know…"

"I know what?" Ronald asked, playing innocent.

"A half-demon," he answered, looking down at his shoes.

Ronald laughed, "Where did ya hear such a thing? One thing you'll learn about the people we work with is they love to gossip and spread lies and rumors. Your mum is a favorite subject of theirs. I can't tell ya how many wild tales I've heard about your mum that aren't true."

"But reapers don't have children…"

"Your parents are two of the most stubborn, most determined people I have ever met. Your mum especially. Your mum wouldn't have any one else to marry besides your old man and by golly, your old man put up a fight, but he eventually gave in. If your mum says wants a child, then damn it all, your mum is going to have a child. Speaking of your parents, we should be getting you home before they start to worry about you." He clapped a hand on the boy's shoulder. Thomas set his mouth into a pouty frown as the topic once again went unanswered.

They arrived outside the tiny house on the edge of the residential area of their branch. Ronald was just about to bid Thomas farewell when they heard Grell scream William's name. Before Ronald could stop him, Thomas was racing for the door. "Thomas, wait! It's not what you think." This is going to be awkward, he thought as he followed after.

William leaned down and sucked on Grell's neck as she came down from her high. Her form quivered beneath him, flushed and damp with sweat as he began to thrust in and out of her.

"So soon, darling?" she mewled, surprised he was ready to go again so quickly. "I'm not complaining but Thomas will be home soon." He muttered something she couldn't comprehend against her skin. They both froze when they heard the front door open and the sound of feet heading towards them. Grell quickly grabbed the throw kept on the back of the couch and covered them with and just in time as Thomas came around the couch just as she got it situated. "Welcome home, darling," she greeted breathlessly yet cheerily as if they hadn't just been caught in a scandalous situation. William could only stare in shock and embarrassment.

"You screamed," he said.

"I'm perfectly all right," she smiled. "Your father and I were just…playing a game." William hid his face in the crook of Grell's neck.

"A game?"

Grell was spared from answering by Ronald coming in and taking by the hand. "Ya have a bedroom for this you know," he said, looking at everything but them as he led Thomas away.

"You are the last person to lecture us in the use of bedrooms for such matters, Ronald Knox," she bit back.

"I'll make sure to have him home in time for supper. Ya two have fun."

William and Grell were left alone in the house. William raised his head. Grell looked up at William and started to laugh. "It's not funny." He frowned at her.

"Oh come on, darling. Laughter would do you good."

He sighed and stood up, adjusting his glasses. "I should get back to work." He bent down and kissed her, ignoring her pout before heading upstairs to shower and change into a fresh suit. "I shall be home late. Don't wait up for me."

Grell got up and refolded the throw, placing it back on the couch. Children could be really inconvenient at times. Hearing the water turn on upstairs, a devious smile crept over her face. She removed her lingerie and went upstairs to join her husband.

(x)

"I don't like spinach." Thomas made a face as he watched his mother prepare dinner.

"Spinach is very good for you and being healthy is important," she answered as she busied about.

"Why does everything supposed to be good for you taste so horrible?" Grell smiled at his question.

"To make us appreciate the tasty treats that much more," a new voice said.

"Undertaker!" Grell gasped, before scowling and scolding him. "Where have you been? You take off without a word, miss your all of godson's birthdays, and why the hell are you dressed like that?" In place of his usual robes, he wore a suit and a black trench coat. His bangs had been trimmed to a shorter length and his hair was done up on the left side in a braided fashion along the scalp to the back of his head where it was tied off. She could clearly see his eyes which were set behind a brand new pair of glasses.

"My dear rose, still as feisty and fiery as ever. You look even more lovelier than when I last laid eyes on you."

"And you are the same shameless old flirt who is avoiding my questions," she shook her stirring spoon at him.

"And you know that I don't give away information for free. I'll settle for a kiss today."

"You will get no such thing from me. If that's your price, you can keep your secrets," she said crossly, folding her arms and turning from him.

With that he burst into laughter. "You win. As for the outfit, I thought it was time I returned to the association. This way I can keep a better eye on you and your family. As for where I've been…let's just say that it took some time to persuade the Board to let me back in."

(x)

William sorted through the papers on his desk, organizing them into the most efficient order in which to complete them, when he came across an old, worn file and enormously thick. A note on the top said this agent was to be reinstated into his department and William was to finish filling out the proper paperwork. Curious, he opened the file and his eyebrows disappeared into his hairline. The deserter? His eyes drifted to the name listed beside the picture. Just what was the undertaker's real name?