A/N: A lovely long chapter for you today. More on the black records, a little more about Will and Shelly, more Will/Ronnie (cause they're adorable) and more Eric/Alan and even some more of what is almost but still not quite a pairing in Shelly and Grell. I don't even know how that happened, it wasn't planned but they're fun. Thank you for your lovely reviews, you guys make me feel so good about it. I loved them. Please, keep them coming.
"What are you doing to him?" William said quietly. "What did you do?"
The black record copy of Michelle turned from Eric and smiled brightly, slowly getting up. "You could have stopped it all, you know, Will?"
"Stopped what?" he said, folding his arms.
"The deaths, everything," she replied. She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. "If only you'd told someone about her mistake, right? But you chose to ignore the rules before you looked up to her, didn't you? If only you'd followed the rules instead of thinking that she was your senior, you knew her, it was a genuine mistake and she wouldn't do it again. If only you hadn't let your personal feelings towards her get in the way."
"What are the black records? What do you want?"
"To help you." She leant up to kiss him but William turned away. "Oh? Don't you want to go back to how it was?"
"What do you want?"
She sighed and sat back on the bed, running her fingers through Eric's hair. His breathing calmed and he looked like his dreams were no longer bothering him. William frowned and she leant down over him. Records curled around them, wrapping around Eric's wrist, ankles and waist and creeping over him.
"Show me, love," she whispered, he voice suddenly shifting to sound like Alan. "What's wrong?"
"Alan?" Eric murmured.
She smiled and stroked his hair. "I'm here, darling. I'm here for you. Let me ease your pain."
"What are you doing to him?" William snapped. "I suggest you answer before I hurt you."
"Dear me, Will," she said, tilting her head to him. "Are you so angry at her? It's very simple, Will. We're making him feel better. There's something in him that's made him so sad... he needs to face it and confront it. He needs to make peace with it, then we'll take all that negativity from him. Sometimes people interfere though. That's why you reapers always end up thinking people go mad here. You can't interfere with the process you don't understand and then be surprised when it goes wrong."
"You're altering his records?"
"No, don't be silly, that can cause severe issues. We merely show him what that he doesn't need to suffer. There's something on everyone's record that will consume them if you let it."
"And that's your job. To remove the suffering? Like angels do? They alter someone's record and stain it white to ease their suffering, so they no longer see what happened and are no longer filled with pain, correct?" She nodded. "How are you different then? Why do your records become black while theirs are white?"
"Angels merely alter some ones view of their record, we aren't so powerful. We slip in and... cut and splice the record, if you understand what I mean?"
"You don't edit the perception, you change the recording?"
"Correct, angels change you memories and emotions by altering your view of a situation. We're much the same. We're helping Eric face what he fears most and he'll soon learn it's not so bad. We slip inside and create an artificial record to play for him while we do our work and stop him worrying. It would be much quicker if you just let us do it rather than making us use alternate records. It's far too complicated to explain so quickly, it'd be easier just to show you. So what about you? Shall we help you?"
William frowned. "How do you think that altering someone's will would help?"
She giggled and stood slowly. After a moment she shoved him back onto Ronald's bed, leaning over him with a smirk. "Well now, you have to be open to us first. Smile, Will cutie, let your guard down." Black records shifted around her and suddenly he was staring up at Ronald instead. "Come on, boss, it'll only take a moment."
"This won't help," he said. "Whatever you're trying to achieve it's not going to get anywhere."
"Shut up, boss," he laughed, covering William's mouth with his hand. "Of course it's not going to get anywhere if you keep resisting like that. Stop fighting it and give in. You know it's going to happen." He laughed and tilted his head back with a dark glint in his eyes. William felt something stir within him at that look and turned away as best he could in that position. "It's ok, boss, I don't feel like you let me down. You know I love you."
He moved his hand and gently leant down to claim his lips. "Get off me."
"Oh, aren't you being so boring, boss?" he laughed. He grinned and ran his fingers along William's jaw. "Alright, boss, ok but we'll be everything he can't, just say the word."
"I said get off."
He smirked and jumped up, striding away. William sat up and whipped out his scythe. Before he hit the copy it broke into black records and one of the records passed through his chest, knocking him back against the wall before they all disappeared. When he pulled himself back up Eric looked worse than ever. He sighed and sat up, resting his hand on his forehead.
"Ron..." he breathed.
"No, Slingby," William said quietly. "He's with Mr Humphries and the pair of troublemakers. They'll be back any minute though."
Eric smiled slightly, his eyes cracking open. "William? You're alive..."
"Yes. How are you feeling?"
"I've been better," he said. He tried to sit up but William pushed him back down gently. "What's going on? I was... I don't know when I'm dreaming and when it's reality anymore."
"This is reality, Slingby."
"You'd probably say that in a dream as well."
"Alright, Slingby, whatever you say. Obviously the fever has made you delirious."
"Eric," Alan said, shutting the door a hurrying over. "You're awake."
He smiled and lifted Eric's head onto his lap, gently leaning down and placing a soft kiss on his lips. Ronald, Grell and Michelle were moments behind him, Ronald complaining about the dress and hat Grell and Michelle were showing off. William frowned.
"Shh," he said quietly. "Slingby's awake."
Ronald sat at his side and leant down to kiss his forehead. "Eric..."
"Hey, Ron," he whispered. "You still afraid of me?"
"No," he whimpered, shaking his head quickly. "No, and I'm sorry, I shouldn't have been so stupid. I know you'd never-"
"Ronald, you're babbling," Alan said gently.
"Ah no, sweetheart, let him gush," Eric murmured. "Go on, Puppy, tell me how sorry you are and how you shouldn't have doubted me."
"Eric." The blonde already seemed to be drifting off again. "Eric?"
"Let him sleep, Alan," Michelle said. "At least this means he'll recover soon, he's getting stronger."
"Yeah..." He smiled and ran his fingers through Eric's hair. "He'll awake up properly soon."
"Can we get back to talking about your dress, Ronnie?" Grell said.
"No," Ronald said. "I don't want to go to this stupid party tomorrow anyway."
"Tomorrow?" William said quietly. "Already?"
"Yeah..." he grumbled. "What's wrong with your chest?"
"Nothing," he said, sitting back on Ronald's bed.
"Let me see."
"No."
"Boss."
Suddenly Michelle and Grell pinned him to the bed and Ronald climbed on top of him, quickly unbuttoning his clothes so he could see the bruise that the record had left. Ronald frowned and ran his fingers over the bruise slowly.
"What happened?" Ronald said quietly.
"I got hit by a record," he hissed. Ronald's eyes went wide and William frowned. "Don't look at me like that. It's not that important, Ronald. They didn't get a hold on me, I'm not going to collapse."
"You'd better not, I don't know what I'd do without you," he said, laying down against his chest. William frowned as Grell and Michelle let him go, obviously expecting him to put his arms around Ronald. He sighed and did so. Ronald was too adorable to ignore really. "I love you so much."
William's eyes widened and Ronald sat up quickly, turning bright red. "Ronald, I-"
"I'm sorry," he cried. "I didn't mean- I'm sorry. I didn't mean it, I swear, I was just worried-"
"Ronald," he snapped. Ronald fell silent instantly, climbing off of William and hurrying towards the door. "Ronald, will you just wai-" The door slammed and Ronald was gone. "Someone keep an eye on him."
Grell and Michelle ran after him and William sighed, rubbing his temples slowly. Alan was watching silently. In the back of his mind he wondered if he should have gone after Ronald himself, to tell him that he did love him too, but couldn't afford blow their cover. He didn't know what he was supposed to say either. He wasn't great with people and emotions on a good day, he had no idea how to sort out Ronald in the state he was in. People generally got upset when they confessed their love and didn't get a positive response. Of course, Ronald was already so certain William didn't love him he hadn't been capable of waiting. He really was so unreasonable sometimes.
He glanced over at Alan again. He was smiling sadly. "You're lucky Eric's out, he wouldn't be impressed. I know you won't say you love him but you're not going to let him suffer right? I mean, don't string him along."
"Of course not," William said, glancing at Eric. "He seemed surprised to see me. He was surprised I was alive."
"I wonder what he's dreaming about then," he murmured, running his fingers through his hair. "He keeps talking about Ronald."
"And not much about you," he muttered. Alan frowned but nodded. "He seemed distressed. You don't suppose... It took Michelle's form and spoke to me. It said it was making him confront what he feared most and help him make peace with it. I'm not sure how much of the story the story I believe but it was telling the truth then what does Eric fear the most?"
"Oh..." Alan breathed. "And with the way Ronald's been acting towards him lately..." He sighed and leant down to place a gentle kiss on his forehead. "My poor Eric. I'm not leaving you anytime soon. Just wake up, come back to us."
"Sweetheart..." Eric whispered. Alan smiled. "Tell William... he's an ass..."
Alan giggled and glanced at William who frowned. "Shut up, Slingby, you're in no condition to be thinking about me."
He groaned softly and seemed to fall back to sleep. William glanced away. He seemed to be getting better for now but given what happened earlier made him doubt it. There was a tapping at the window and William glanced up. One of the messenger birds was there with an envelope around his neck. William pushed open the window and it fluttered in, settling on William's shoulder and letting him take the envelope. It puffed up its chest and William sighed, offering it a treat from his pocket. It made a strange noise then flew away again.
It was a message from head office in response to the information he'd given them on the black record. He frowned and looked over the papers. Alan was watching him intently and William frowned. It wasn't the good news he'd been hoping for.
"Hey, look at that," Grell said quietly, leaning over railings.
Michelle frowned and folded her arms, looking down at the blonde reaper below them. Ronald was sitting in the dining hall, knees pulled up to his chest and trying to calm himself. Standing above him was the Viscount. Grell crouched down and pulled Michelle with him so they were watching through the railings as the Viscount leant over Ronald and tipped his chin up.
"My dear little robin," he said. "Your eyes are so beautiful glistening with tears, but a young woman so beautiful shouldn't ever be seen to be crying." He swept Ronald up and dabbed his cheeks with a handkerchief. "What kind of gentleman would ever allow a stunning young maiden such as yourself to be alone with her tears? The world is full of such cruel, heartless people who would ignore the beauty of the little robin. Tell me, what could ruin the pure beauty of such a creature?"
Ronald looked a little confused for a moment and Michelle tried not to laugh. Finally Ronald seemed to compose himself and managed to speak. "I try my hardest to please him but he doesn't love me. I love him so much, I don't know what to do to make him love me back."
"Your fiancé?" Ronald nodded. "How could any man be so heartless as to not love you, little robin? The man must be blind."
"Veronica," Grell cried, standing up. "What are you doing?"
Michelle growled and followed him. "Alana's worried about you."
"I'll be fine," Ronald called back. "And if you see my dear William, tell him I can't be with a man who doesn't love me... who I've got no hope of being loved by..."
"No, Veronica," Michelle said. "He does."
"He does, Ronnie," Grell cried. "He really does, he just can't say it, you know that. He struggles with things like that."
"You know he tries really hard," she continued. "He really does love you. Just give him a chance."
Ronald sighed and shook his head. "I can't. I've tried. I've tried so hard and I can't do it anymore. The Viscount can help comfort me, right?"
"Of course, little robin," he said, guiding Ronald away. "I hope to see you young ladies at the party tomorrow night."
Michelle frowned and glanced at Grell. It wasn't right. Ronald's distrust seemed to have shifted from Eric to William. She frowned and leant on the railings, watching them leave. She remembered overhearing Eric talking with William, mentioning that Ronald was afraid to be left alone with no one caring what happened to him or even remembering him. His fear of Eric had been eradicated in the few moments it had taken for him to fall sick. Ronald was afraid to lose him which had overridden his fear. And now his paranoia had shifted to William. Better to leave than be left. It was almost sad.
"The best romances have their ups and downs," Grell said quietly. Michelle nodded. "They'll be ok."
"I hope so. They're so cute together," she said
Suddenly Grell was leant over her, his lips brushing over her neck. Michelle shivered and tapped her heel slightly. The redhead's hand ran over her waist and Michelle tilted her head slightly, letting him do as he pleased.
"If we're caught I'm going to murder you slowly and painfully, Sutcliff."
"Please do," he laughed softly. "Come on, let's go to our room."
"We shouldn't leave Ronald on his own."
"He's not. He's with that terrible man. You've been so sad recently, where's my cold cruel Shelly gone?"
"Grell... I've just had a really bad thought."
"Oh good."
"No, no, I mean we didn't see Ronald sit down there," she said, pushing him. "If it's a record, Ronald could still be out there on his own. He's a sitting duck."
"Oh but- but- ahhh, I hate it when you're right! Let's go find him. At least that way we can avoid telling Will the only person he's ever really opened up to is breaking up with him."
Ronald glanced up as footsteps sounded behind him. Eric sat beside him, looking a little wobbly but no unwell. He didn't know if it was a black record copy or if Eric really was getting stronger and had managed to come after him. He sighed and closed his eyes as Eric ran his hands over his cheeks.
"Ronald," he whispered. "My little Puppy."
Ronald smiled and gently tangled his fingers into his hair as Eric drew him into his arms. "You're not the real Eric."
"Do you really mind that much?" he said quietly. No, he didn't really. "I'm here. I won't let you suffer on your own. Or, would you prefer..." His form shifted to become slimmer and leaner but still just as strong and comforting. "Is that better, Ronald? Do you know how much I love you? Or are you just so afraid of being alone that you've convinced yourself it's better not to let anyone see the real you?" William- or at least the copy of him- tipped up his chin and trailed gentle kisses over his throat. Ronald's world went hazy, like he was under a spell. "I can see you. Such a scared, lonely little boy. And I know why. Will you let me help you?"
"Yes," he murmured.
"I won't let you be alone, Ronald," he said and gently pressed their lips together. "Never again."
"Thank you," Ronald said quietly, wrapping his arms around his neck, not really sure why.
"You will trust me?" He nodded and leant up to kiss him softly. "Then let me help you with your pain. Let me take care of you."
He helped Ronald lie back and leant over him, black records slowly curling around them. Despite the twang of nerves he wasn't afraid. Even if he ended up like Eric he knew he'd be looked after. And he didn't want to fight it for some reason. He just wanted to give in. A few records wrapped around him, sliding up his limbs and one wrapping around his neck. He arched his back slightly at the strange sensation but the copy of William leant down and kissed him gently.
"Don't be afraid," he said gently, stroking his hair. "You won't be alone again."
He grunted slightly, twisting away as the records wrap around his torso and one buried itself in his chest. He cried softly as a blinding pain flashed through him and he tossed his head, writhing to break away but they held firm as a second record curled up, poised to strike.
"Ronnie," Grell cried.
There was the roar of the chainsaw and the record poised above him was sliced by Michelle's axe. The one buried in his chest began to burn and he twisted away only for it to be sliced by Grell's scythe. The records holding him were cut away and he was lifted gently into Grell's arms.
"Ronnie, you're ok," he said. Ronald wasn't sure that was accurate. His head felt hot and heavy and his body was weak. He's wasn't injured but he wasn't ok. What had he been thinking trusting that thing? "Ronnie?"
"Honestly," the creature said quietly. "You must stop interfering, it's not good for them if you get involved in things you don't understand..."
Ronald groaned and his legs suddenly failed him. He fell forwards and was only held up by Grell's arms. His mind was going blurred and numb. He groaned and Grell shifted his weight slightly as the William look alike sighed.
"You see."
"We've got to get him back to Will," Michelle said.
"Right, come on, Ronnie," Grell said.
"Oi, wake up, Knox. Wake up." Ronald groaned and shook his head. He was hearing things, obviously, and suddnely everything went dark. "Come on, what did you do last night? Wake up!"
After a moment, he managed to open his eyes. He frowned, gazing up at the brunette up him, then instinctively reaching out to try at find his glasses. He found them on the bedside table and slid them on. The brunette smiled back at him.
"Good morning sleepy," he laughed.
"Wuh?" he groaned. "Who? What's going on?"
"Wow, Knox, you must have stayed up way too late studying," he said with a grin. "I'm Miles, remember? Your room mate? Come on, have you burnt yourself out, I told you not to work so hard. Come on, get up. Why do you even set your alarm that early? We've got hours."
"Oh... it was a dream?" he mumbled. He struggled to his feet and glanced at himself in the mirror. Yes, light framed academy glasses and jet black hair. "It was just a dream."
"Are you feeling ok, mate?" Miles said, folding his arms.
"You know those dreams that just feel so real? They feel like it's been years or months and..." He sighed and shook his head. "What are we doing today?"
"Really? Wow, you're a mess."
"Humour me."
"Alright, grumpy. You're in such a bad mood this morning. We've got a free period first so three and a half hours until classes, and this afternoon, we've got another class with Mr Spears." He laughed and winked at Ronald who groaned and rested his head against the mirror. "If not even that can cheer you up we're screwed. We might as well end the world right now."
"Shut up," he grumbled. He frowned and ran a hand through his hair. "How long did you say we had?"
"Few hours."
"Good."
"What are you doi-" He was out the door before Miles could finish.
"Trust me," he called.
Miles followed him next door and back. Of course, Ronald knew exactly what he was doing, despite Miles' complaints. He frowned and stuck his tongue out as he tried to convince his hair to take the style he'd had in the dream. He liked it. He wanted to keep it no matter what Miles said. Finally he got the single flick upwards and beamed over at Miles who looked stunned.
"Who are you and what have you done with our Knox?"
"Don't you like it?" Ronald said.
"I do... I just didn't think it would suit you so well," Miles replied quietly. "It looks... good. Really good. Especially when you smile like that. Whatever dream you had, it's made you someone else."
Ronald laughed and pulled on his shirt and tie. He frowned and paused at the top few buttons, then left them and did up his tie loosely. Miles scowled at him and went to do up his top button for him but Ronald brushed him away.
"I like it like that."
"Knox?"
"Ronald," he said. "My name is Ronald. Use it."
"Alright, Ronald, what's the problem?" Miles said as Ronald pulled on his waistcoat and jacket, deciding to leave the jacket undone as well. "What's happened to you?"
"I don't know," he laughed. "I just feel... different, you know? Better. Like somehow this is a brand new start. If you want to make a change, you just have to do it, right? No one's going to do it for you."
"But, the blonde?"
"I like it. I think it looks good. I just needed the change, Miles, ok? Don't ask me why, it just makes me feel all fresh and new, like everything's suddenly right."
"You've gone insane."
"Yeah, quite possibly but it's..." He glanced at his watch and frowned. "I don't have a watch. I should get a watch. Still, time to go."
"No one's going to believe this."
"Come on, Ronnie, stay with us."
Ronald groaned and swayed slightly, clutching his head. What was that? The strange voice and a sudden fevered sensation. Miles caught him as he stumbled and several people glanced at them.
"God, Knox, are you ok?" he cried.
"Yeah..." he said nodding quickly. "Yeah, I think I am. Just a little tired, I guess. Come on, let's go."
"Hey, if you don't wake up soon we're going to leave you, Ronnie."
"Knox." Ronald lifted his head sharply to see William glaring down at him. He'd fallen asleep at his desk... "Welcome back to the world of the waking, Knox."
"Sorry, sir," he groaned, rubbing his temples. "My head just hurt so much..."
He frowned and rested the back of a gloveless hand against Ronald's forehead. "You do have a fever. You can go to the infirmary if you feel you're too unwell to continue."
"No... no, I'm ok," he said. "What was the question?"
"We were talking about the death sentence, Knox," William said. "And what would constitute a violation large enough to earn it. Please, give me an answer that shows some consideration and intelligence behind it. Show me some glimmer of hope in this mess of unruly children."
He stood shakily and took in a deep breath to steady himself before speaking. "The death sentence can only be handed out when a group of senior management offices come to a unanimous decision. It can be considered when the great number or seriousness of the crimes shows that the reaper in question acted with malicious or selfish intent and that they show no remorse for their actions or care for the victims. It is most commonly applied to senior reapers who misuse their position and power by covering up their crimes, abusing those who respect them, corrupting the system and it is nearly always considered in cases concerning one reaper murdering another. In such circumstances the sentence is carried out nine times out of ten unless there is some doubt as to whether putting the perpetrator to death would solve the problem or make it worse such as with-"
"Ronnie? Hey come on, I know you hear me."
"Knox?"
He nodded slowly and rubbed his head again."Such as with Miss-"
"What's wrong with Puppy?"
"Miss..."
"Sit down, Knox," William said. "You're in no condition to be out of bed, let alone in class."
"I'm alright," Ronald murmured.
"Sit quietly and try not to cause yourself any damage."
He sighed and nodded slowly. The class passed slowly and Ronald tried not to cause too much trouble, watching William quietly. It had been a dream. An amazing, incredible dream, but a dream none the less. William would never look at him like that. Then William called him back after class. He struggled up and perched on the edge of the desk. Maybe, just maybe, his dream hadn't been so wrong. William frowned and stood slowly.
"You weren't at your best today, were you?"
"No, sir, I'm sorry," he said quietly. "I'll do better tomorrow."
"Hmm, you were doing fine until you looked like you were going to pass out," he said, folding his arms. "Finish off now and I'll give you the mark you deserve. You were giving an example of a case where the death sentence was held off due to the chance it would only make the situation worse. Miss?"
"Galloway," he said, slightly unsure if that was right. "Michelle Galloway."
William frowned thoughtfully but nodded. "What does a first year in the first few weeks of training know about Michelle Galloway?"
"She was your senior," he said quietly. "A corrupt, disgraced murderess reaper who was banished from the reaper realm and was only spared the death sentence because Mr Thomas couldn't bring himself to believe that she was really behind it all. It all started with Michael Short who she accidently killed and covered it up." William frowned and stepped a little closer, looking him over curiously making Ronald's breath catch in his throat at the hungry look in his eyes. "I'm sorry, sir, was that out of line?"
"No," he said, tipping Ronald's chin up slightly with his thumb and forefinger. "You are quite remarkable, Knox, even if you have seemed to have let your standards slip."
"You don't like my new look?" Ronald said with a bright smile.
William didn't answer straight away, just looked him over again then murmuring in a language Ronald couldn't place but understood perfectly. Obviously not many people did understand it because it wasn't the sort of thing he'd ever expect from someone like William, let alone in a public place. When Ronald replied- and he had no idea what that dream had done to him to give him so much confidence in himself- William stepped back, looking completely shocked, then gave the smallest smirk.
"You really are something special, Knox," he said.
"Thank you," Ronald whispered.
"You're welcome. Now, I think it would be a good idea for you to go to the infirmary."
"Will you come with me? I don't want to collapse."
"Given what you just said to me-"
"What I said to you, sir? With all due respect, you started it. I just replied." William frowned and Ronald tilted his head slightly. "If I'm not bothered by letting you take me, you shouldn't be either, right? You're my teacher, it's your job to keep me safe."
"Knox-"
"If you weren't my teacher, I'd be telling you how sexy I think you are and how much I want you, but given that you are that would be kind of inappropriate, wouldn't it?"
"Very."
"So... I should just let you get on with work with you're not going to escort me to the infirmary."
"You should." He stepped back and Ronald slid off the desk. "Knox, I have no interest in a child like you." Ronald nodded quickly and lowered his head. "You are a very attractive young man, Knox, don't feel too downhearted. You are intelligent and determined to go with it. I'm sure you'll go far. However, as you said, I am your teacher and an officer, it would be highly inappropriate and, even if it weren't, you are far too immature to satisfy me."
"But I-"
"Perhaps once you've graduated, Knox. Until then, I highly doubt any form of intimacy would be satisfying for either of us."
"You don't know until you try," Ronald said, trying his best to sound rational and calm. William wasn't exactly the type to react well to irrational, emotional outbursts. "Give me a chance and I'll please you." William frowned, but seemed to at least be considering his proposal. Ronald saw his opportunity and took it. "I promise, I won't say a word whatever happens. I will do whatever you want and it will be completely between us and then we can talk about what to do from there. I don't think that's unreasonable."
"No, but it is inappropriate," William said firmly. "A student of your ability should be well aware of the consequences of such actions, for you and for me."
"I know," he said. "That's why it's important to be discreet, right? I'm a quick learner, I'm sure you've figured that out by now, it won't take me long to work you out. I'm not asking for much, just a chance to prove myself."
There were a few moments of silence and Ronald watched William carefully. His heart was pounding. He didn't know what else to say to convince him. It was all so confusing. His dream had pushed him to become something he'd never imagined possible. This kind of behaviour was for the slackers who would be stuck in low level jobs for the rest of their lives. There weren't many who got far without spending hours working. Most people got their jobs straight before they began to look into anything beyond themselves. This wasn't him. He was nice and quiet and focused on his studies and being the best he could. People didn't just change overnight because of a dream. It just didn't happen.
"Would you like some help with your assignment, Knox?"
"Umm, yes please," Ronald said quietly.
"Good," William said. "Do you know The Library Cafe?" Ronald nodded quickly. It was one of the lesser visited cafes on in the town with an incredible view over the library. It was generally only visited by higher collection officers who wandered in and out of the library at times. "Meet me there at nine. Don't be late, Knox, I can't stand lateness. I'll give you a chance to impress me with your work."
Ronald smiled and nodded quickly. "I'll be there, sir. Thank you."
"Ronald?" Alan said quietly, shaking his shoulder gently. "Please wake up soon. Eric's worried about you, and William's all worked up and Grell and Michelle are in big trouble for letting you get hurt. Just wake up." He sighed when Ronald didn't respond and gently kissed his cheek, trying not to look as miserable as he felt. "Please, Ronald, just wake up."
"Sweetheart," Eric whispered.
Alan turned to see him watching quietly. "Eric? What's up?"
"How is he?" he said. Alan sighed. "That good huh? Don't worry, he'll wake up soon. He didn't get hit nearly as bad as I did, right? He'll be up soon."
"You've figured out you're not dreaming then," he said, getting up to sit at Eric's side again. Eric nodded. "You need to just rest and recover, love. Let me worry about Ronald."
"He's going to be ok," Eric said, glancing at Ronald. "He didn't get hit as badly as I was, he'll be awake in a few hours, you'll see."
"I know." He sighed and drew his knees to his chest, watching Ronald sleeping fitfully. "He'll be ok soon but... what if he doesn't?"
"Why wouldn't he?"
"I don't know. I just have a bad feeling about it all, you know? And what about you? How was your little dream land without me?"
Eric laughed softly and drew him down into his arms. "Empty. So empty... I mean, I like Ron and all, but he's not you. He was comforting, but... I'll do anything not to lose you, sweetheart. Anything."
"Except hurt Ronald, except hurting people."
"Yeah..." He sighed lowered his head. "Yeah, I know. Thing is, it didn't help. I'm not less afraid of losing you than before. It's just made you more determined to hold onto you. I can't lose you."
"You're so adorable when you're being protective, Eric."
"You know I love you."
"Yeah, I know. I love you too. Go back to sleep. I'll watch over Ronald." Eric nodded slowly. "You know, whatever you do, and whatever you try to do to save me, I'll forgive you. I don't think there's really anything I couldn't forgive... except, you know, hurting Ronald or..."
"Or?"
"Don't lie to me. Don't ever lie to me. Promise me, right now, you'll never lie to me."
"So what am I supposed to do when I'm trying to surprise you?" Eric laughed softly, cupping his cheek. Alan scowled down at him. "Alright, sweetheart, I promise. I won't lie to you seriously. I'll trust you no matter what, and I won't hurt Ron."
"And don't break your promises," Alan said firmly.
"Alright, alright, anything else? If there's much more I'm going to need to take notes."
"I'm not asking a lot, Eric," he snapped.
"I know, Alan. I know," Eric said gently, pulling him in for a gentle kiss. "I will never let you down. So... Ronald's afraid of being alone and tossed aside and forgotten, what do you think he's been trapped in?"
"I have no idea," Alan whispered, glancing over at the sick blonde. "He'll be ok though." He sighed and leant down to lie on Eric's chest, completely comfortable in his hold but Eric shifted. "What are you-"
He was pulled over to Ronald's bed and Alan smiled. Ronald and Eric curled up together quickly and Alan crawled into bed on the other side of Ronald. Both the older reapers wrapped their arms tightly around the young blonde to stop him tossing and turning too much. It seemed to relax him at least.
"William..."
Alan sighed and glanced at the door, almost jumping a mile noticing the figure in the shadows. He sighed and took a few deep breaths to steady himself. William walked over slowly and glanced down at Ronald.
"How is he?"
"His fever's fading, I think he'll be ok by morning. I hope at least."
"And Slingby?"
"Tell the jerk I'm fine, sweetheart."
"He thinks he's fine," Alan said. "He's not, but he thinks he is. He'll probably be ok by tomorrow as well though." William nodded. "It's not your fault, William. What happened earlier didn't make this happen. It's been after Ronald from the start. It'll be ok in the end I'm sure."
