A/N: Dawww, Ronnie is so cute this chapter. Poor thing. And Grell and Michelle are being fun and Darla's back and Will and Eric have a nice little fight. How fun is that? I've considered this, who would actually win? Eric or Will? I reckon Will, merely because Eric has a temper that would probably get the better of him and he'd do something stupid. That, and Alan would tell him off. Anyway, enough of my theories. Thank you for reviews and please keep them coming. Love you guys.

For someone so light and acrobatic and agile when Ronald had been put in a woman's outfit he suddenly began like a newborn foal, wobbling around on long spindly legs he had no control over. They'd returned to Michelle's town house, Daniel had made arrangements to keep it somehow. William was sitting on a leather couch, watching Michelle, Daniel and Grell trying to teach Ronald had to transfer his natural grace to something so unusual. He almost smiled and Ronald wobbled again and Michelle and Grell caught him before he lost his balance completely.

"This isn't going well, is it?" Eric muttered.

"He needs to be more confident," Alan said. "He's over thinking it, I think. He's so self conscious about it. Hey, what was all that about earlier?"

"What about?" William said, watching as Michelle pulled Ronald's shoulders back and down, forcing him to stand straight.

"Well, how quickly he denied you two having feeling for each other," Eric said. "I mean, he loves you, that's obvious. What's going on?"

"I wasn't aware he..." He frowned and glanced up at Ronald again. He was gripping Grell's arms and struggling to stay up. "You honestly think that he loves me?"

"Of course," Alan said. "So, why did he deny it?"

"Do you love him?" Eric growled.

William frowned and watched the beautiful blonde. All he wanted to do at that moment was to sweep Ronald up and throw him onto a bed- actually, he didn't really care, he wasn't fussy- and make love to the clumsy young reaper. His adorable stumbling and cruses made him want to put him arms around him and support him. He just needed to be close to Ronald right now. Anything to be close to him.

"Out," he said, getting up. They glanced at him and he folded his arms. "I said out. All of you. Now." He caught Ronald by his waist as he stumbled and gently helped him up. "Not you."

Ronald stared up at him dumbly, but didn't argue. The door shut and William glanced down at Ronald. He was simply stunning, even dressed like that. In fact, it was different, but not entirely unpleasant to see him like that. He flicked his death scythe to lock the door, then released Ronald and returned to the couch, watching him quietly. Ronald looked completely lost, still struggling just to keep his balance.

"Come here, Miss Knox."

Ronald frowned, looking like he'd asked the impossible. He held out his hands pleadingly. "Help me?"

"No," William said, slipping off his jacket and laying it over the arm of the couch. "Come here and I'll let you take off those shoes." He offered Ronald his hand, more of an encouraging gesture than anything since Ronald was nowhere near close enough to reach it. "I might even let you take off a bit more."

That seemed to clinch the decision. Ronald stuck out his tongue in concentration and pulled himself up, slowly stepping forwards. It was only a few sweeping strides before he could take William's hand but Ronald didn't seem confident enough to take anything more than baby steps.

"That's it," William said as he managed to take slightly longer, more confident steps. "Just a little further."

Finally Ronald's fingers brushed his. William got up as Ronald took the final step and grasped his hand. He wrapped his arm around Ronald's waist, gently drawing him closer and stepping away from the couch. Ronald seemed to move instinctively with him, as if dancing. That was interesting. He'd never thought of Ronald as being able to dance. The basics were taught at the academy just in case they ever had to blend in undercover. Not many paid attention to it though. Ronald was incredibly graceful at time though.

William slowly took Ronald's hand and swept him across the floor. He was a gentleman and had been taught well- Michelle liked to dance and had taught him but no one needed to know that- so it was easy and smooth for him. To his utter amazement and pleasure, Ronald didn't stumble or trip but moved with him naturally, slowly shifting his hand up to his shoulder. William's gaze softened. He just needed to stop over thinking, just as Alan had said.

"How long do I have to wear this?" Ronald whispered.

"A few days at the most," William replied. "Just until something happens."

"What happens if nothing happens? How long do we wait?"

"We have in just under a week almost two hundred people are scheduled to die and we're under orders not to lose a single soul without being able to explain why. We'll have you out by then. Besides, you're getting the hang of it now."

"It's no wonder human women are so quiet and unthreatening, they can hardly breath," Ronald groaned. "Men must put them in these things to keep them down. Must all be kind of sadistic too."

"Actually," William said. "The corset enhances the woman's sexuality." He stopped and tilted Ronald head up gently as he flushed red. "By bringing in the waist, it pushes up the bust and exaggerates the hips in comparison."

"How can you say that with a straight face?" he said.

"Practise, my dear lady." He lifted Ronald's hand and kissed his palm gently. "If it helps, you make a beautiful young woman."

Ronald giggled. "It doesn't, but thank you anyway."

"Ronald..." He frowned and lowered his head slightly. "Slingby and Mr Humphries think you're in love with me." The blonde in his arms tensed instantly. "Are they right?"

"No," Ronald said, suddenly tearing out of his hold and walking away. "No, they're wrong. Why on earth would they..." He shook his head quickly and turned away. "No."

"Ronald?" William said quietly.

He sighed and struggled to sit down comfortably. He took a moment to get off his hat and set it down on the side table. Again William tried his hardest not to smile as Ronald argued with the jacket as well. He was so adorably awkward. He walked over slowly and sat next to the blonde, gently running his hand through his hair.

"Tell me again, and this time try not to sound like your lying," he said firmly.

"I- I'm not-" He stopped and sighed, lowering his head slowly and playing with the fabric of the skirt. "This would be easier if I didn't feel so stupid."

"You should act professionally no matter how you feel."

"Talking about love is hardly professional, especially not while wearing... this." William remained quiet, just watching him and adjusting his glasses. Ronald frowned and played with his own glasses- he didn't seem to be getting used to them very quickly- and turned away. After a few moment long silent moments, Ronald sighed. "You told Miss Galloway you didn't love me. What's the big deal?"

Of course. That was why Michelle had asked again. She knew what he'd say and she was in the perfect position to see out the door. Ronald had shown up only moments later. He'd been listening outside the door. Of course he'd heard. He sighed and leant tipped Ronald's chin up, placing a gentle kiss on his lips. Ronald reacted as always, reaching up into his hair and pressing close against him.

"You shouldn't have been eavesdropping," he said quietly.

"I'm sorry," Ronald said, leaning against him. "I get worked up sometimes. Mr Alan says it's because I'm still young. I'm just not as in control as you, I guess. I feel what I feel, you know, and I can't help it. I can't put on that cold mask and act like I don't care."

"You were doing rather well until you tried to deny it," William said. "It's alright, Ronald. You don't have to be something you're not. You don't have to be cold and in control all the time, that's not your job."

"I don't," the blonde said firmly, his hands tightening around his shirt. William frowned. He sounded like he was trying to convince himself more than anyone. "I don't love you. I'm not in love with you."

William sighed and gently kissed his cheek. "It's alright, Ronald. It's alright."

"No, no it's not."

"Why not?" Ronald sniffled and closed his eyes as William brushed his cheek. "Don't cry. Don't you dare cry, I hate it when you cry, Ronald."

"I'm sorry." He sighed and wiped his eyes, forcing a weak laugh. "It's not exactly ladylike is it?" He stood quickly, picking up his jacket and hat. "I should go and find Miss Galloway and Miss Grell."

He offered a small bob curtsey- which amused William incredibly with how much he'd actually picked up- and hurried towards the door. William frowned and called to him softly. He turned.

"There's no need to suffer in silence, Miss Knox," he said. "You have nothing to be ashamed of and I wouldn't turn my back on you." Ronald nodded slightly. "It's taken long enough to get you comfortable around me. I wouldn't want to start taking backwards steps." Again Ronald nodded. "And send Slingby in."

He hurried off and a few moments later Eric strode in and sat next to him. The tall blonde was grinning. "Ron's looking better already. What did you do?"

"It's as Mr Humphries said. He needed to stop thinking about it," William said. "And he vehemently denies having any feelings for me."

"You believe him?" Eric laughed.

"No. I don't think I do."

"Stupid kid." He sighed and shook his head. "He's an idiot, you know. I mean, he's a genius, but he's so stupid sometimes. I think it's his age. He's still young, he doesn't know what he's doing in the world yet."

"I'm not sure if you're being friendly or protective."

"A bit of both, just don't tell anyone about the friendly part. And you never did answer us."

"About what?"

"Whether you love him or not?"

"I'm not sure that's any of your business, Slingby."

Eric smirked. "Of course not. What's did you want me for anyway? Or did you just want to chat?"

"You realise how much work this is going to be?" William said.

"Two hundred souls at the end of the week, I know," Eric said with a shrug. "But we should have Alan and Ron out by then and Sutcliff and Galloway can deal with anything else, right? All we have to do is worry about not going insane."

William frowned. He made it sound so simple. They horror church wasn't known for simple, clean deaths. Eric knew that. He must have. William couldn't forget the last time they were there, he highly doubted Eric could simply forget either. The only thing he could think of to explain Eric's attitude was that he made it a joke to stop himself thinking about it too much. He still had nightmares about it. That was another of those things he'd never tell anyone if he could help it. He couldn't imagine Eric was so much stronger mentally than him that it didn't affect him. He supposed having Alan to comfort him helped.

"Hey," Eric said, waving a hand in front of his eyes. "London to Mr Grumpy."

"What?" William said.

"Oh, you're back with me," he laughed. "What were you thinking about?"

"What did you call me?"

"Nothing."

"Grumpy?"

"No. It to be grumpy you'd have to actually have feelings."

"I hope you weren't too attached to your job, Slingby," William snapped. "You're not going to have it much longer if you keep that up."

"There it is," Eric laughed.

"What is?" he said, adjusting his glasses again.

"What Ronald sees in you," he said. He smirked and shrugged. "He obviously likes jerks with no sense of humour."

"No one's perfect. Mr Humphries seems fond of egotistical idiots."

Eric's smirk vanished and he glared over. "You know, you're lucky I let you near Ron."

"Let? You let me near him? It seems even I have underestimated your ego, Slingby."

"You should be nicer to me, William," Eric snapped, folding his arms. "Try to remember who's opinion Ron values most; who he runs to when he's upset and confused, who he asks for advice, who he trusts above everyone. I could rip you two apart and turn him against you if I really wanted to."

"And it seems you've overestimated your influence."

"You're lucky I know how much Ron loves you," he said, turning away again with a lazy grin. "I know him well enough to see it every time he looks at you. That's why I kindly overlook how much you under appreciate me- that and I kind of respect you- so don't push your luck. Stop upsetting him."

"I'm hardly trying to upset him," William said.

"He's young and sensitive, he takes everything seriously even if it doesn't seem like it. He gets depressed and worked up over bad news and good news gets him all giddy and happy. He's tries to be all grown up and not let things affect him too much so he forces that big smile that everyone loves just to put them at ease. You should know this by now." William frowned and glanced at him. "What? You thought I didn't know?"

"He didn't seem particularly keen to give up anything."

"You hate it, don't you? That I'm always going to have a hold on him you can't match."

"I'm still your boss, Slingby, remember that," William hissed.

Eric laughed. "Don't worry about it, I have Alan. Hate it as much as you like, I'm not a threat, I don't see any point in breaking you up, it would do no one any good. And you do love him, don't you?"

"If you're not interested in talking about work, you should get back to Mr Humphries, don't you think?"

Eric laughed again and William clenched his fists. He didn't want to talk about this with Eric of all people. He was right though, he did hate how Eric always knew Ronald better. Nothing he could do would ever break Eric's hold over the little blonde. Something else bugged him too. While he knew it was true that Eric's world revolved around Alan, he couldn't help but wonder what happened if- when Alan died. It would destroy Eric and Ronald, of course. There was still a nagging in the back of his mind, people did strange things when they were grieving, it wasn't unheard of for people to try and find comfort in others. Would Eric continue to see Ronald as a little brother figure if he could no longer live for Alan?

"William, you love him, right?"

"What does it matter to you?" William snapped, rattled by his thoughts.

"Oh hush, Ronnie," Grell laughed, adjusting the angle of Ronald's hat as he squirmed. "We're going to the school this evening, you have to look comfortable and pretty. I bet Will likes it."

Ronald frowned and batted him away only for Michelle to tug on his jacket. He was getting sick of this. It was the last thing he needed after what had happened with William. He sighed let them fuss. Arguing was doing no good. It hadn't so far.

"Are we sure this requires all four of us?"

"For the last time, yes," Michelle said.

"Little girls should be seen and not heard, Ronnie," Grell said, folding his arms. "You should remember that. You're not nearly old enough to be talking back to us."

"You're about a hundred years too young."

"Just 'cause you're screwing Will doesn't give you the right to tell us what to do, you know."

"You need to learn some respect, Ronald."

"I hate to say it but they're right, Ronald," Alan said quietly. "Human ladies are generally nice and quiet and completely agreeable."

"Poor them," Ronald groaned.

"Well, not all of them," Michelle giggled. "If you're lucky enough to attend a party you might meet the Marchioness Midford. She's so beautiful and powerful, but a little bit scary and strict."

"You're a reaper, how are you scared of a human?" Alan said, folding his arms.

"You haven't met her. She's as beautiful as she is scary. She turns up loads there from what I've heard. She firmly believes that no matter how a young woman is in private she must be perfectly polite and respectful in public. One must always be proper after all."

"Waaaaiiiit," Grell said. "I know who she is!" He giggled and wiggled his hips in excitement. "She's the aunt of Sebas-" Alan and Ronald glared up at him and he stopped. "The Phantomhive brat. This isn't fair!" He pouted and folded his arms. "I would have thought you three at least would give me some slack on that rule."

"Yeah right," Ronald said. "William has superhuman hearing. He'll know. And if we let you say it we'll get punished too."

"Awww! You guys are so mean. Will would n-" There was a thud in the next room and they glanced at the door. "I'm sure it's nothing."

There was another thud, louder this time and a crash. Alan frowned. "We should probably check on them."

Ronald nodded and hurried over to push open the doors just in time to see Eric manage to roll William from over him and shove him to the ground, drawing back his fist.

"Eric!" Alan snapped.

Eric looked up and in his moment of distraction William tossed him off again. The blonde landed on his feet and turned just in time to take a well aimed kick from William, sending him slamming into the far wall. Not that it kept him down for long. Within seconds he was up and lunged for William again. Only this time Alan stepped in his way, folding his arms and glaring up at him, daring him to try and go around him. Ronald grabbed William's arm and pulled him back slightly.

"Come on, boss," he whispered. "This isn't like you."

"What on earth is going on?" Alan said.

"He started-" Alan frowned. "I didn't-" He tilted his head up slightly. "I mean, it wasn't-" His foot tapped. "Stop looking at me like that."

Ronald frowned. William was shaking, his fists clenched tightly but his face was perfectly straight. What on earth had Eric said to make William so angry? This wasn't like him at all. He glanced over at Eric, who was still struggling to get out an answer under Alan's glare. Grell was standing between them giggling to himself.

"Where are Michelle and her demon hiding?" William said thought clenched teeth.

"Umm, they were right there," Alan said, glancing at the door. "They can't have gone far."

"I wouldn't bet on it," Grell laughed. "She's pretty sneaky. Now, what were you boys fighting about?"

"It doesn't matter," Eric growled. He turned and strode out with Alan following closely. He sneered and tossed William a cold glance over his shoulder. "I'll take that as a yes though."

William's scythe shot out with a snap and Eric had to step back, pulling Alan with him to avoid it blades. Ronald pulled him back as much as he could, completely stunned as Eric and William glared at each other. After a few long moments, William pulled back his scythe and adjusted his glasses. Eric turned away and he and Alan left with the brunette scolding Eric for losing his temper.

"Boss?" Ronald said quietly. William didn't show any signs of acknowledgement. "William?"

He frowned and glanced down, slowly straightening his hair. "I'm sorry, what were you saying?"

"I wasn't saying anything," he snapped. "What was all that about?"

"It's not important," William said. He drew Ronald close and tilted up his chin. "Get out, Sutcliff." He pecked Ronald's lips. Ronald was a little unsure if William would want him close after what had happened earlier, but was reassured as William drew him in. Grell giggled and he glared up at him. "Sutcliff!" He jumped and stood straight. "If you have nothing better to do, go and find Michelle."

"Oh Will," he cooed. "You're in such a bad mood. You're so sexy when you're angry. Ohhhh, I just want to-"

"Whatever you just want to do, don't. Instead, do as you're told and find Michelle!"

"Alright, alright..."

He carried on talking but William didn't seem to have noticed as he claimed Ronald's lips firmly. Ronald reached up, pressing himself to William as always, just wanting to be close to him. He tangled his fingers into his hair, messing it up just as quickly as it had been straightened. Grell's footsteps moved away and Ronald was sure he was leaving but as William pulled up his skirt the footsteps stopped.

"Sutcliff," William snarled, tossing away Ronald's hat and pulling down the neat bun that Michelle and Grell had just finished. "Get out!"

Ronald kissed his jaw softly, trying to get back his attention. "Boss. Ignore him. Come here. Get me out of these things." He slid his lips down against William's neck. "Please."

The door shut and locked and William finally returned his attention to Ronald. "You'll only have to put them on again."

"I'll make a deal."

"I'm still your superior, you know you don't get special treatment on the job."

"There has to be something I can do to convince you to let me off."

"I'll let you know."

"Just get them off me, please. You need the stress relief as much as I need to breathe. Just get me out of this stuff."

"How unladylike, Miss Knox."

Ronald growled and dragged him down into a hot, rough kiss, not caring if it was unladylike or if he was breaking cover or anything else. When he was in William's arms he could feel like he was loved. He knew William had seen right through him but he couldn't say it. He believe William wouldn't leave him just for saying it but every time he started thinking he could love someone they tore him apart. He didn't learn his lesson. He never learnt his lesson. He just let himself fall into the same old patterns; he'd start to care, he'd get his heart torn out and he'd find himself partying and getting drunk and letting others use him while he tried to pull himself together again.

The room spun and Ronald found himself lying back on the couch, which, under further inspection actually appeared to be a chaise longue- although why he was thinking about it as William's lips slid down his jaw was beyond him. He tipped his head back and exposed his throat, struggling with the damn jacket again as William took full advantage. He hated the outfit more and more. Without thinking, he caught William's chin and pulled him up to gaze into his eyes.

"Ronald?"

He hoped William was going to be different. He so desperately wanted William to be different from to everyone else.

"Stress relief..." he whispered

"I'm sorry?" William said.

"Stress relief," Ronald repeated. "That's all I am to you. A pretty little trophy lover who adores you and lies down for you when you need to let off steam."

William actually looked hurt and Ronald frowned. "You stupid boy. Stop putting yourself down. I am not that dishonest or shallow and you should know that. Now stop it and let me do you the favour of getting you out of this pretty little outfit while we still have a few hours."

There was a note of discomfort in his voice that made Ronald turn away guiltily as William began to unbutton Ronald's shirt. He sighed softly and William ran his tongue along his neck causing him to squirm and giggle. William was ridiculously good at this. Within moments Ronald was stripped to his underwear and the blonde decided William was a little too good at removing women's clothes. And, as always, Ronald was nearly naked before William even considered removing his own clothes. There was something more gentle in his movements now though. It reminded Ronald a lot of their first few nights together, how soft and careful William had been. It was almost loving. It really wasn't hard to close his eyes and forget that he'd heard William saying he didn't love him.

Ronald loved William. He was sure of that now. And whether William loved him back or not, he didn't really care, as long as he still wanted him.

"Did you think I didn't know, Darla dear?" Michelle said quietly, leaning back against Daniel's chest as he gently put his arms around her shoulder. "I did teach you everything you know."

Darla folded her arms and pushed a piece of hair from her eyes. "You have no right to say anything, Galloway. What I did was nothing compared to your stunts."

"No," she laughed. "You're small and petty compared to me."

She smirked and tilted her head back, glancing over Daniel's shoulder and Grell was sure she looked right at him and winked. He was hiding around the corner of the street, watching them arguing, just like William had ordered him to- even if he had been far more interested in Ronald at the time and he should have just ignored them both and let them get on with their games- and he'd decided it was better for him to wait and watch.

"You can't prove anything anyway," Darla snapped.

"True, true," Michelle said. "Or can I?"

"I was careful. I destroyed all evidence. You can't prove a thing. Why do you think I had them hand over your files?"

"Undertaker knew. He knows all about you, dear. I've told him everything, and given him everything."

"Oh come on. One word from me about you and your butler and you'll be executed."

"Anything happens to me Undertaker will go to Lucy and you'll be joining me in Hell, partner."

"Some mortician? You think I'm afraid of some human mortician? Please," Darla laughed. "You're losing your touch, Galloway."

"Hmm, I suppose," Michelle said. "Or maybe I'm better than I've ever been. Oh, and by the way, he never loved you, he doesn't love you and he never will. Give it up. You're pathetic. There's nothing worse than a desperate suitor. I'll see you later, Daniel."

"Yes, my lady," Daniel said.

Michelle turned and strode straight towards Grell, linking their arms and walking away. Grell glanced over his shoulder and saw Daniel and Darla arguing. He dug his feet in and tried to turn and see what they were saying but Michelle held on surprisingly tightly.

"What was all that about, Shelly?" he said.

"Oh, didn't you know?" Michelle giggled. "He didn't do it."

"Mr Thomas?" She nodded. "Shelly, did you frame him and get his record edited too?"

"Don't be silly, Grell," she said. "That would be bad. Want to hear the gossip?"

"Of course I do!"

"She was the mastermind behind it all. She framed him into framing me working on the theory that if he stopped me, she'd then step in and point out that he was the one who hired me, thereby getting rid of me and him and then Will would be the next in line for his job and she'd be her assistant."

"She's in love with Will?"

"Duh."

"How do we prove it?"

"We can't yet, but we will. Like I've always said, I don't like being the one being used. Don't tell Will about this. He'll get worked up over someone innocent dying."

Grell nodded. He'd probably get obsessive too. "Is that why she hated Ronnie so much?"

"Probably."

"They're being naughty in your drawing room, you know."

"Somehow I'm not surprised."

He grinned as a wicked idea sprung to mind and he pulled Michelle into an empty side street between two small houses, slamming her against the wall. The brunette gave a yelp and Grell bit down on her neck, licking away the drops of blood as Michelle pushed against his chest.

"Grell!" she snapped. "Get off!"

"Why don't we be naughty too, Shelly?" Grell giggled. "I know you want to."

Michelle narrowed her gaze and this time it was Grell yelping as she spun him and shoved him against the wall so hard he cracked his head against the bricks. He grinned as Michelle pressed her arm against his throat, eyes flashing dangerously.

"Now you listen to me you, you twisted psychotic idiot," she hissed. "I don't know who the hell you think you are but I am not some little whimpering brat who sits and takes treatment like that I you know it. I've told you, it's not happening."

"You say that," Grell laughed. "But you like it. You kissed me, remember?"

"Shut up."

"Aww, Shelly, so cruel. I know what you want though."

"I don't want what you think I do any more than Will did, Grell. Try to remember that." She turned and strode off, adjusting her collar to hide Grell's bite. "We should get home, shouldn't we? They'll start thinking we're up to something. Or, you know, I'm up to something."

Grell growled and folded his arms, stomping after her. She wasn't playing fair! At least he was open and honest about his feelings. Everyone else was so stuffy. He wasn't even sure who was more infuriating, William who cruelly turned him down every time without fail or Michelle who was mean enough to play with him and give in sometimes then slap him away. He wasn't sure which was crueller either. He ran to catch up with Michelle and they walked back slowly through the snow.

"So," Michelle said. "What was all the noise with Will and Eric?"

"Oh, they got in a fight," Grell said, his mood picking up again. "Eric must have said something serious to get Will to snap."

"Yeah, I've never known Will start a fight without... Ohhh, he's close with Ronald, right?"

Grell's eyes widened and he clapped his hands. "How cute!"