Weeks passed by with William and Undertaker both being evaluated separately with no visitation rights, and neither saw the other again after the first day Undertaker was brought in.
However, Ronald did write William every week. The letters were more like notes, totally lacking in structure and direction, and it seemed the boy never really knew what to say. But still, he did end each one with a message of love and a doodle of little jokes to try and help William smile.
Ronald had returned to work, finding the job quite lonely without William standing over his shoulder like he used to. And his office being locked up was a constant reminder that William was gone.
But finally, the day came when he received word that he could visit William during visiting hours. As soon as his shift was up, he was out the door and on his bike, speeding to the institution.
It was an annoying hassle. When he got there he had to sign in, hand over his scythe and anything in his pockets, fill out a bunch of paperwork, and then, finally, he was escorted to a white room with tables. Some had games on them that patients could play, and some were empty.
He was instructed to sit at an empty table and wait. The wait was another thing that annoyed the impatient reaper. He'd already waited a month. That should have been long enough.
As he waited, he tried not to stare at the patients around him, looking down at his folded hands on the table.
He didn't like it. Everything was so cheerless and sterile, here. He didn't see how it could help anyone get better for anything they had been committed for.
Finally William came in with an orderly, and his pulse quickened when he saw Ronald there waiting for him. He regretted not having taken a photo of him to keep with him. Though it had only been three weeks since he'd last seen him and he stayed on his mind a lot, he'd forgotten just how bloody attractive he was. He'd even logged into his Dispatch profile a couple of times when granted internet access, just so that he could look up Ronald's and stare at his profile picture. He also checked in on his reports just to see how he'd been doing with collections after his week's vacation.
It had come as a relief to him to see that Ronald's numbers were as steady as ever. He even seemed to bring in a little more than before, and Will thought he ought to be due for a pay raise, soon. In fact, he intended to suggest it to the board. Despite his hospitalization, the board still allowed him full access and they still respected his opinions. In fact, his position in Dispatch had only been suspended until he was pronounced stable and released. It was more than he'd hoped for, but then again, not many agents were masochistic enough to take on the position of supervisor, and William was the best they'd ever had. In the meantime Eric and Alan were still taking on his duties until the board could find a suitable temporary replacement.
Being out of the loop as he was and unable to speak with his old mentor while the man was under such tight observation, William still didn't know the details about how the Undertaker came to be in this place. Perhaps Ronald could shed some light on it. He sat down across from Ronald and he managed a faint little smile for him as the orderly left them alone together.
"You look well," observed William, eyes scanning the younger reaper appreciatively. He knew he himself didn't look particularly dapper in the light blue shirt and pants combo he was forced to wear as a patient, but he'd taken the time to brush and style his hair when he got word that Ronald was coming to see him. He now had full visitor privileges and so long as he didn't violate any rules, they would remain intact.
Ronald snapped his gaze up, and he had the urge to jump up and pull the man into a tight embrace. But he'd been warned against any sudden movements. Some of the permanent residents of the ward were easily startled and upset, and doing so could cause problems with them. So, he stayed in his seat and nodded awkwardly.
"Yeah... And you look...healthy." And he did. It looked like he was eating right and getting proper exercise. But he didn't seem particularly happy or comfortable in such an environment, and who could blame him? The place wasn't even droll. It was just dry and void of...life.
"I don't like this place-or leaving you here," he admitted, glancing around again, "Seems to me it is designed to depress people, not encourage them to get better... Glad I brought you this. Alan suggested it would help you over here...Luckily them guards at the entrance let me keep it with me so I could give it to you myself. It's an older one, but one of my favorite shots."
He dug into his pocket and pulled out an old photograph. it was slightly wrinkled and bent, and it supported a few scratches. The photograph was black and white, which was the big thing when Ron was a student, before they had advanced to color, and it supported the grinning face of Ronald as he stood perched atop the point of a tall tower of the academy, the camera pointing down at him and the school grounds below. His hands were in the famous "death" pose, and a brand new pair of custom glasses were on his face. He and his finals partner had taken pictures like it together to celebrate the end of their school days.
"I want you to have this," he said, sliding it over, "at least then this place isn't as depressing. I have everything in your apartment to remind me of you, but Alan pointed out you don't have anything of mine...Styx I've missed you..."
William took the photo and he stared at it for a moment, before depositing it in the one pocket he had on his shirt. "Thank you," he said solemnly. "I...have missed you too."
That was an understatement. He'd actually begun missing Ronald as soon as he was escorted to his room, and the first night there had been pure hell on Will. With each whimper, shout or maniacal cackle he heard from the other patients, he questioned his decision to commit himself. It was too late now, though. He was in the system and while he'd voluntarily checked in, it was now up to his doctors to decide when to release him. William sighed with regret and he reached across the table to take Ronald's hands in his. For once, he didn't give a damn if anyone saw him displaying such affection for his lover publicly.
"This is a rather flat and morose setting, is it not? Come, let us take a walk outside and get some fresh air. The garden is quite lovely and I'm permitted to stroll through it whenever I wish."
The garden was surrounded by a security fence of course, and there was an invisible field overhead. Since reapers were so light-weight and could leap tall distances easily, it was a requirement to ensure none of the patients could jump over the fences and escape.
Ronald nodded and let his lover lead him to the gardens.
"I hear that Grell and his partner are due to come back at the end of the month. Dispatch has decided to replace them with two other agents so that they aren't over there for the rest of the war. But mostly I think it's because rumor has it that they want to give Grell a raise."
Ron started to small-talk now that they were in a more comfortable setting. "I know how you hate gossip, but this one's a doozy. No idea if it's true, but they are saying that Grell-senpai captured the Undertaker. Chopped off his hand with an axe to make him submit enough to drag him into custody." He shrugged. "Sounds like Grell, to me, but still, it can't have been easy to do if it's true."
William stopped in his tracks, hardly believing that Sutcliff of all people could succeed where so many others—himself included—had failed. He'd seen the evidence for himself though. The day they brought the Undertaker in, William had seen the bandages covering his left hand and forearm. "Good heavens, could it be true? They do have the Undertaker in custody, but I have not yet managed to speak with him because he is in solitary confinement. I've been working with the board to try and lift some of his restrictions. Keeping him so confined with no entertainment whatsoever is only going to worsen his condition."
He still couldn't imagine the Undertaker allowing Grell to capture him single-handedly. There had to be more to this story than Ronald knew.
"You mean, it's true?" Ronald blinked in surprise. "Man, I'm really going to have to get Grell to spill this story when he gets back."
He paused and turned to face William head-on. "How have you been doing here? I've called a few times but I'm not a high enough rank to get updates on your progress... Have you been getting my letters?"
William nodded. "Indeed I have. I've kept all of them in the top drawer of my little dresser. I must confess, this place is not as bad as I supposed it would be." He took Ronald's hand in his and they resumed walking the garden paths together. "My dresser has three drawers for personal effects, my own private room, three meals per day and a snack bar in the cafeteria. There are games and activities for the residents here, though I've declined all but the chess. We are allowed media devices such as radios and players. Evidently music is very therapeutic for some patients when they begin suffering anxiety. Aside from being medicated each night to force sleep and being away from you and my job, I cannot complain."
He chose not to add that the place could use some decorative revisions. The reason there were no glass frames hung on the wall was due to the risk of patients smashing them and using the glass on others or themselves. All of the eating utensils were plastic, and all of the drinking containers were plastic as well. Looking around, he spotted the shaded area he liked to sit in and read beneath, because it offered some quiet and privacy from others.
"This way," he urged, tugging Ronald's hand. He intended to make every moment of his lover's visit count.
"As long as it's not as bad as it seems from where I stand, I guess." Ron sighed, squeezing his hand. "Seems you had spoiled me since we got together...I still can't get used to sleeping alone, and your pillows are falling victim to my nightly cuddling needs. That first night I crashed on Eric's couch, woke up half consumed by the cushions," he babbled on, sitting down on the bench he was led to. But once they were both seated, he couldn't help but steal a kiss, leaning in to connect his lips to Will's.
William cupped the back of Ronald's head to keep him from retreating and he deepened the kiss, humming in his throat with desire. His mind went back to their interrupted encounter and he slid his tongue past Ronald's lips, suggestively thrusting it. Perhaps it was a mistake to do so, because he started to harden in his jumper pants. There weren't any rules against patients kissing visiting spouses or lovers, but he was still a private man who didn't wish to make a public display. Still, he couldn't bring himself to break the kiss and his other hand slid down Ronald's back to draw him closer.
Ronald moaned and slid himself closer. Unlike William, he wasn't so private and couldn't care less if anyone saw them. As such, he moved to straddle William's lap and pin him into the kiss. Though when he found William's condition with his leg, a red blush assaulted his cheeks. But he didn't let up, he simply shifted his body to help hide the tent in Will's loosely fitting pants.
"Ronald," murmured Will between kisses. Styx help him, he wanted the blond. "I cannot express how sorry I am that we never got the chance to finish that night, before we were so rudely interrupted."
His lips trailed kisses over Ronald's face and jaw, and his hand slid lower to cup the younger man's bottom. He was fast forgetting where they were...and along with that, propriety.
"Hey, I waited this long for you, didn't I? You're worth waiting longer." Ronald moaned, sliding his hand under Will's shirt to dance his fingers over his abs and sides, "Besides, we did get a taste of the desserts to come, right? We now know a little better how much foreplay we both need."
William's breath quickened and he slid his other hand down Ronald's back to squeeze his bottom with both hands. "Indeed. At least I managed to bring you to completion before our encounter was interrupted. For that small blessing, I'm thankful."
He was seriously considering bringing Ronald to completion again, right there in the garden. Shocked at his own bold thoughts, Will averted his gaze and he cleared his throat. "The things you so easily put in my head, Mister Knox. Honestly."
Ronald smirked. "Thinking dirty thoughts about me?" he guessed. "I don't mind. I do the same all the time. Even at work... oh, don't let your boss side know that!" he laughed.
"Considering how much I've been missing your inappropriate behavior in the office, I honestly don't believe the 'boss' side of me minds at this point." William dragged his lips over Ronald's cheek to his ear and he blew in it gently, before sucking the lobe. He nibbled it a little and his hands roamed back up Ronald's back.
"Ah, so that's why you're here." Ronald teased, closing his eyes, "Your boss side got lost in your lover side. Damn, I must be sexier than I thought."
"Mm, you certainly are," agreed Will. His hands glided up and down Ronald's sides and he sucked on his clavicle, longing for him in ways that were more than sexual. He wished that Ronald could stay overnight with him—whished he could share his bed, even if all they did was kiss, touch and embrace. William sighed and he suddenly rested his cheek against Ronald's chest, arms stealing around him to hold him close.
"I do miss you, Ronald Knox," he confessed softly, eyes growing heavy-lidded. "I cannot describe how eager I am for these dark days to end so that you and I can enjoy a more normal relationship...however that may be defined."
Ron slid his fingers through Will's hair, "Have you come home...that'd be normal enough for me. Just having you back in the comfort of your fancy apartment where you can feed the pigeons roosting on your sill and I can wiggle my way into your bed next to you."
"That would be lovely," agreed Will. He kissed Ronald's throat again and he sighed, holding him tighter. "I keep comparing myself to these other patients and sometimes I feel I made a mistake. I don't feel nearly as unstable as they are...but sometimes I imagine things that convince me I do not belong back in my ordinary life, as yet. Be patient with me as you have been. This cannot last forever, Ronald."
"As I said before: you are worth the wait." Ronald smiled, kissing him again. "Oh, and your dad's an asshole He showed up a few days ago at your place, demanding I leave everything to him to take care of. He said that he's family so it's his responsibility if you've cracked. But I told him to sod off and that I'm your lover and have more of a claim to handling your affairs as to your request than he. I heard he's talking to his lawyer about it but I'm sure we have nothing to worry about since you already signed everything over to me until you get out."
Will gave a dry, bitter smirk. He was briefly surprised that Ronald had the stones to not only tell the man to sod off, but to also inform him of their romantic relationship. "Yet he hasn't bothered to even attempt to drop by and visit me. How typical of him. You did well, Ronald. You are correct; he has no legal recourse and I'm gladder than ever that I decided to entrust my assets to you before doing this. I don't believe he would attempt to cheat me, but he might hold it over my head once I get released. I could not bear to be under his thumb again."
"I didn't like the way he referred to you. Made you sound more like-cattle or something. I decided right off I didn't want his blessing to court you." he smirked, "Boy, did he get pissed when he realized he wasn't going to be scaring me off, even with that glare of his that causes a vein in his temple to pulse."
"Mm, I recall that glare very well," sighed Will. He kissed Ronald's jaw and then made his way back to his lips. "With him, it has always been about control. Perhaps that's why I've become such a perfectionist over time. I was once a tad rebellious, back when I entered the academy. I could have been an A student had I wished to, but as you know, B's are perfectly acceptable as a passing grade. I deliberately put in only enough effort to pass, just to annoy my father and show him that I no longer cared about his approval. Why work so hard for something I was never likely to receive, no matter how well I did?"
William shrugged and he pulled back to look at Ronald, his gaze flitting over the young man's features and committing them to memory. "You know, it never occurred to me before now to ask whether patients may be granted conjugal visits if they are lucid enough to request them. Perhaps I'll make an inquiry as to that."
Prison inmates were allowed such visits to see to their needs—even murderers. This situation wasn't quite the same though, and for many patients the ability to consent was dubious. He thought it was worth a try though.
Ronald nodded and leaned forward to rest his forehead against Will's, "I'm young, and my hormones are out of control. I can't help thinking about what you and I could do together if given the chance."
"We really didn't have the opportunity to have a full night together," sighed William, "only a taste. I find that quite frustrating."
He really had nobody to blame but himself, truthfully. He could have kicked everyone out of his house and then waited for the next day to commit himself—but had he done that, his resolve might have wavered and the night would have been ruined by his episode anyway. He looked at the young man straddling him again and he reached up to brush aside Ronald's feathered bangs.
"We shall have our night together eventually, whether it comes through conjugal visitation or after I'm declared fit for release."
"Or," Ronald gave a mischievous smirk, "We could always sneak a romp in the bushes. You know, after we find out if we can do it the proper way or not." He cupped the side of Will's neck with his hand, his thumb rubbing up and down behind his ear and jaw in a comforting manner.
William's face heated and he shifted restlessly beneath Ronald as the blond's suggestion provoked more lustful thoughts. "Such an illicit creature you are," he breathed. "I'm half-tempted to take you up on that offer, but imagine what might happen to my thus far spotless behavior reports if someone were to find us?"
He smirked and he turned his head to kiss the caressing hand. "The temptation is strong, but I don't wish to extend my stay in this place by violating any rules."
"Yeah but I don't see how banging your willing boyfriend is a bad thing." Ron smirked, kissing along his jawline and down his neck. "Everyone has their needs, after all. If we can't get permission for sexy times, I'll totally take full blame of seducing you behind their backs! It's more believable if I say it was my idea, anyway. Seeing as I have a playboy rep and you have a...rule following rep."
William sobered a bit. "Ronald, have you any idea how much trouble you could get in for having sexual relations with a patient in here? It doesn't matter that we are in a relationship. We must at least attempt to get the proper documentation to work around it. I could possibly look into our options for...exclusive privacy privileges. We aren't allowed locks on our chamber doors for obvious reasons, but it might be possible to procure a time of day when we are allowed privacy in my room for a time. I would have to prove to them that I am utterly capable of consent and no threat to you if left alone and unsupervised."
William sighed. "But if I am going to request that privilege, I may as well inquire about my eligibility for a day pass, once or twice per month. Some patients are granted a twenty-four hour pass to go home or spend the day with family, but the process of obtaining such a thing is rather involved. Additionally, you and I aren't family." He smirked ruefully, his eyes sweeping over the blond. "We're quite something else...but as my trustee you may have certain advantages that a mere friend or associate would not. In a sense you are my guardian whilst I'm in this place, so that may count in our favor."
He lowered his gaze and he rubbed his palms up and down Ronald's legs again. "I shall try both avenues, if it could result in us having the opportunity for intimacy sooner. Otherwise I fear we'll have to settle for stolen moments in nooks, during your visits."
He didn't tell Ronald that he feared the young man would grow restless and get tired of waiting for him. William wasn't used to commitment and while he had no reason to believe Ronald would stray, he'd seen other couples do it before when parted for long periods of time.
"I won't allow this situation to distance us any more than it has to," promised William with a kiss. "I shall do everything in my power to see that you aren't neglected."
"Will," Ron cupped his cheeks to hold his gaze, "Your business side is showing. You know I was half joking, right? I wouldn't do anything that could get my visiting rights taken away. Being able to see and talk to you is a whole lot more important than doing the do with you."
Will stared back, relaxing a bit but unable to completely banish the uncertainty he felt deep down. He parted his lips to confess as much, to tell Ronald that he'd never felt this way before about anyone, but he still had those carefully constructed barriers that prevented him from speaking from the heart. As usual, he decided to express himself with actions in lieu of words. He slipped his arms around his companion's waist and he locked their lips together.
Ronald breathed in, immersing himself into the kiss, his hands wandering again, though he kept his touch in check, making sure not to tempt William too much by touching him in the more 'naughty' locations.
"I love you." he moaned against his lips, "I really do..."
William's breath caught.
~Blessed Styx, just say it. Tell him. Tell him that you feel the same.~
He was afraid, though. Terrified, in fact. He cared so deeply for this young reaper now and his mother's voice was telling him that Ronald deserved to know it.
"I...I cant," gasped William. "Father won't have it..."
His vision blurred with tears and he cursed himself. "Ronald..."
How could he tell him how difficult it was for him to trust...and to love?
Ronald pulled back, a confused frown upon his face. "What does he have to do with anything?"
What William had just said made zero sense to him. He couldn't even make a guess as to why it had been said, or what was being referred to that William 'couldn't' do because of said man.
William struggled for words, trying to think of how he could explain the disapproval he'd been struggling with for his entire life. "I...apologize. I do want to open up to you, Ronald. Of every reaper I've known, you've been the only one I felt truly comfortable with, and you deserve to have your feelings reciprocated in every way. It's just...my father..."
He shook his head, wondering how he could ever explain to his lover how much that man had emotionally crippled him. "I...do love you too. There. I've said it."
Ronald blinked in surprise. "You don't have to force it if you aren't ready to use the 'L' word with me." He tried to keep his tone soothing. "It doesn't make me love you any less. But you know, that man has absolutely no say in our relationship. We don't need his approval for anything."
He lifted Will's hand and kissed his knuckles. "I meant it when I told you we can move slowly. Just because we are ready to make love doesn't mean you are ready to tell me out loud that you love me."
"But I need you to know," insisted William tightly. "It is important to me that you of all reapers know what is in my heart. I...fail at expressing myself and though it came out strained, my declaration was true. I do love you, Ronald. I only wish I were better at saying so. You deserve to hear it."
One of the staff members started to call out. "Hello? Who's back there?"
William sighed and he eased Ronald off of his lap, before the orderly could see them in such a compromised position. He kissed Ron's cheek as he did so and he met his eyes. "I mean it, Knox."
"I do hear it, though. You don't kiss me the way that past dates and hook-ups have kissed me. Those all lacked emotion Your kisses don't. You lay it all out there for me to feel. I know you love me." Ronald took Will's hand. "Come on, we don't want to get you into trouble."
With a regretful sigh, William stood up with his boyfriend. He could at least take solace in the knowledge that Ronald knew his heart, even if he was terrible at expressing himself. "Yes, let us return indoors."
A few days later, William was in the entertainment room when he noticed a certain albino, ancient reaper being escorted to one of the couches by the staff. He straightened up in his seat by the window and he stared at his mentor. The Undertaker's injured hand was now unwrapped and there was no scar to show for his injury. Getting up from his seat, he approached the man warily, a thousand questions on his lips. He'd wanted so badly to convince the Undertaker to agree to seek help, and now here he was...for reasons William could only guess.
"Sir?" he said as he stepped around the couch. "May I...join you?"
The Undertaker glanced up and he gave William a bright, too-sunny smile. "Willy! I was hoping to run into you. Of course, my lad. Have a seat here." He patted the spot next to him.
William sat down beside him and he threaded his fingers together, taking a deep breath. "Rumor has it Sutcliff was the one to bring you in. Is that in any way true?"
"Mm." The ancient nodded and he combed his bangs out of his eyes, casting a sidelong wink at William. "That's what I let the lady think, anyhow."
Will took a deep breath, knowing that this place couldn't really hold his mentor for long if the Undertaker didn't wish to stay. "Why in hells are you here? You did not seem overtly fond of the idea when I offered to bring you in for help after our agreement."
The mortician turned his head, his smile still fixated in his pale, scarred face. "Why, I came for you, my lad. William, they can't help—"
One of the orderlies interrupted. "Begging your pardon Undertaker, but you've a visitor."
The Undertaker blinked at the man. "Me? Oh my, that's...unexpected. Who might be calling on my crazy ol' self, then?"
"Agent Sutcliff," answered the orderly. He smiled as if he'd just met two celebrities in one day. "The very Dispatch officer that brought you in. We...understand if you don't feel up to the visit, of course." His gaze flicked to the hand that had been bandaged when William first saw Undertaker brought in.
The ancient waved it off with a chuckle. "No need to look so nervous, lad. No real harm done."
He looked at William. "Seems I'm more forgivable than you in the eyes of the rose. We'll talk some more later, Willy."
"Be careful," cautioned William. "Sutcliff holds grudges and I cannot for the life of me understand why he would come to visit you."
The Undertaker stood up and cast a wink at him. "Intrigue, dear boy. Miss Sutcliff is a curious sort. Who knows? You could be attending our wedding some day."
William barely resisted a snort and the turned his head before the older reaper could see him roll his eyes.
Unlike when Ronald came to visit William, Grell had been granted a more private location for his visit with the undertaker. At least, private in the way of being away from the other patents. There was a guard in the room to make sure nothing got out of control.
Grell, however, was set on making things go that way. He paced around the room, waiting for the Undertaker.
Finally, the door opened and an orderly guided Undertaker in. But Grell didn't even give the man time to greet him.
"You did this on purpose!" He accused, marching up to the legend, his eyes narrowed. "You did this to ruin a good thing! I'd be happy if it weren't for you! I suppose you've heard? A promotion! They want to give me a promotion! They want to take me off the field and stick me behind some stuffy old desk! I'm not a paper-pusher, Unnie! I'm a field officer! I need the thrill of collections to stay sane!"
He gripped Undertaker's powder blue shirt and shook him, "Are you trying to drive me back into madness? I'll snap and go on another killing spree and end up right back in this very place! You are trying to trick me into it and I won't have it!"
By this time the guard was warning Grell to stand down, but was completely ignored.
The Undertaker shot a look at the guard and he grinned. "Feel free to incarcerate Miss Sutcliff too, if you like. I imagine his ramblings aren't looking too pretty."
He turned his Cheshire grin on the fuming redhead. "A promotion, is it? Look at you, climbing the corporate ladders whether you like it or not. Funny thing...I can relate to that."
He nodded to the guard and amazingly, the man nodded back and left them alone in the room. The Undertaker stepped back from Grell and he chuckled softly. "Do you think I did this all for you, li'l rose? Alas, that isn't the case. I did it to be close to Willy. My old apprentice. The sort of aid he needs isn't just psychological and he doesn't stand a chance of improving without the guidance of one that knows exactly what he's going through."
The mortician winked. "I have been clinging to the narrow hope that you might come in for a visit, though. Look at it on the bright side, love; you'll have more money to buy more pretty baubles for yourself. Isn't that lovely?"
"Not worth it." Grell huffed, crossing his arms and turning away, "I don't want to end up back here for evaluation! I want to be out reaping souls. And a job like the one they want to put me in would only land me right back in here, I just know it! It was hard enough faking things to get out of here the first time with a clean bill of mental health! I need to behave!"
"Hmph," the Undertaker snorted, "'faking things'. I wonder what you might have done that could inspire such unusual loyalty, lovely."
"Does it matter?" Grell walked over and sat down, "I convinced them I wouldn't commit any more murder. But I'm not mad. I knew what I was doing. It's not like when Will was trying to kill me. His eyes were blank, like he didn't see me at all."
The mortician frowned, thinking carefully on Grell's words. "Have you had the opportunity to see or talk to our dear Willy since that night? He's oddly out of sorts, I've noticed."
Undertaker dared to reach out and capture Grell's smaller hands in his. "Grell, darlin', you need to know that this isn't going to solve anything for either of us. I came here t' be near him and help him, but there's not a psychiatrist in the world that can help him now. If you want to do Willy any good, you'll stress the point on getting him out of this place as soon as possible."
"I have been busy working." Grell pointed out, "I haven't seen him, and it's not my place to get him out of here. He chose to be here, and Ronnie's supporting him. They think this can help him."
"Do they now?" The Undertaker scratched his chin pensively. "I suppose in the short-run it might be helpful, but what he's ailing from can't be cured with conventional methods."
He tilted his head and he brushed his bangs out of his eyes, smiling at the crimson reaper. "Now I've got to wonder why you came here, pretty rose. If it wasn't for William, then for whose benefit was it? Mine, perhaps? Have I managed to catch your interest?"
"I—" Grell tensed up and folded his arms, nose in the air. "I only came here to scold you for getting me stuck with a promotion I don't want!"
"There's always this lovely little word called 'no'," reminded the mortician with a chuckle. "Couldn't you have employed the use of that?"
His gaze roved over the lovely crimson treat sitting before him, and the Undertaker silently hoped his words wouldn't run Grell off too soon. He happened to like agent Sutcliff...possibly more than was wise. "You ought to pay a visit to Willy too. I understand you parted on less than friendly terms with him but I think you still have a care for the bloke, deep down. Might be good for the both of you to have a sit-down with him."
Grell shook his head, "They won't accept a refusal because Will's here and not in his stupid fancy office. Besides. I annoy him too much. I drove him to put himself in this loony-bin, I'd likely only make it so he never gets out."
"Hmm." Undertaker scratched his chin, intrigued. "Now what could you have done to achieve such a violent reaction, eh? Must have happened right after I left, I wager."
"I wanted him to tell me himself his feelings for my Ronnie!" Grell huffed, "I was looking out for my cute junior but Will seemed to think otherwise. He doesn't have my blessings after that!"
The redhead sighed, "He probably thinks I was going to have a fit that he's dating someone other than me. Doesn't realize I have known for a long, long time that I'm not the one that is destined to warm that icy heart of his. But that didn't mean I couldn't hang off him while he was still single!"
"Well now, don't take it too hard," soothed the Undertaker. "Willy's always had intimacy problems, you know. If he felt backed into a corner, it's no wonder he got worked up. I, on the other hand, suffer no such aversion to intimacy."
Undertaker smiled engagingly at the redhead. "Feel free to hang off me all you like, m'dear. Will just needs a bit of space to sort out his thoughts and decide what he wants to do. I haven't even approached him, in fact. I let him come to me. I imagine he's not terribly pleased with me either."
"Hang off you?" Grell scoffed. "As handsome as you are and as powerful as you have proven yourself-you still have harmed my face far too many times! You can't go from harming a lady's face to flirting with her! You crossed a line with that, Unnie!"
"Then I s'pose I'll just have to find a way to make it up to you, sooner or later." The mortician was not deterred. In fact, he welcomed a challenge. What fun was there in courting someone that caved right away? He traced patterns on the table with his fingernails, gazing into Grell's eyes with an unfaltering little smile on his pale lips. "My hand's fully recovered now, by the way. I thought you might like to know that. No lady enjoys a lover with weak hands, after all."
"You seem confident that you'll win me over." Grell observed, eyeing the hand he had previously removed from the man's body. He had to admit to himself, at least, that he had been teasing the ancient that day with licking his fingers. He was interested. After all, who wouldn't be? But Grell wasn't the type to fall into a pair of arms simply because a handsome, strong man smiled at him. And he had plenty of reasons not to give into this one in particular.
"Only time will tell." Undertaker propped his chin in his hand. "You know, Miss Sutcliff...you and I aren't all that different. I think we could come to understand one another better than most in this world. Birds of a feather, and all that."
He was fairly sure that Grell didn't hear the voices of the dead on the mortal plane, but he'd killed those not on the death lists before, and he'd succumbed to blood lust. Unlike most of the lady's compatriots, the Undertaker would never judge him for the Ripper situation.
"You think so?" Grell raised an elegant red eyebrow, "And what makes you think that?"
He thought he knew where this was going, but he was curious as to what the other man would say.
The Undertaker shrugged. "Folk think we're both lunatics. Well, I suppose that's true enough of me, considering where I am. You've worn a jumper like this at one point though, as I understand it. I'd have thought you wouldn't want to set foot in a place like this again, and yet here you are! The lovely lady took time out of the day just to come and see me."
Undertaker winked at Grell. "There's chemistry there, pet. We've both made our marks on each other. Mayhap there's something more we could enjoy someday, yeah?"
Grell's cheeks flushed pink, "Stepping foot here again is different when I'm free to leave whenever I feel like it, and I'm not being forced into taking those stupid little pills every night. And I wasn't...that...busy..."
"But you just said you've got more responsibility now than you ever wanted," Undertaker pointed out slyly. "quod erat demonstrandum, you must be terribly busy. I'm flattered, really."
"I don't start that job until Monday. Stop making it sound like you are special! You aren't! The public just thinks you are, and that's getting to your head." Grell poked Undertaker's forehead.
"Oh, I couldn't give a toss what society thinks," assured the mortician, still grinning. He was having a grand time pushing Grell's buttons. "I'm just enjoying your company, lovely. No need to get sore over it. You've piqued my curiosity is all. Feel free to poke me wherever you like."
"I poke whomever I feel like. And I think you do care what others think of you. Why else would you resist capture for so long? And what's so special about Will that would change your mind on it?"
"I resisted capture because I loathe being bored," answered the mortician with a shrug. "As for Will, he was once my apprentice; like Knox was yours. I saw him starting to go down the same path I did and I decided he might do better with someone that knows what it's like nearby. Oh, these quack doctors here can evaluate and medicate the chap all they want, but they'll never know what it's like."
He tilted his head, his smile softening a bit as he studied Grell. "Wouldn't you agree with that, Miss Sutcliff? When you were in here, who really helped you get out...the staff or yourself?"
"It was all me," Grell agreed, "but if Will thinks he needs this, who are we to tell him otherwise?" He gave a giggle. "Madness...they say I have it but isn't true madness that in which they insist the only help they need is pointless? Ah~ Well, I guess Will at least gets the rest he has needed for years."
"Or mayhap Will doesn't understand what's really going on, just yet," sighed the Undertaker. He glanced at the guard, and he decided not to elaborate too much in his presence. "I s'pose you're right enough, though. If this is what he thinks he needs then it's what he needs t' do...for now. Good to see you at least understand how much he overworks himself. That tells me you still give a toss, even if you say you don't."
"I said I'm mad at him, I didn't say I don't care. He may not like to admit it, but he's my best friend, and he's not going to shake me that easily. " Grell pointed out.
"Well then, no need to carry on with all this pouting," insisted the mortician with a smile. "You know, apologies can go a long way, my dear. You admitted to me that you believe it was something you said that pushed him on over—though I daresay he'd have tripped up sooner or later, mind you. Have you thought of at least trying to have a word with him? I'm sure Ronnie'd appreciate your efforts, if nothing else."
~Not to mention, I'm sure Will's got some concealed guilt over it he'd like to part with.~
The Undertaker kept that last bit to himself—only because he knew his former apprentice well enough to understand how prideful William was. The man was likely horrified that he'd come close to reaping Grell, but there was a trick to dealing with him. When confronted, Will always pushed back. When treated to kindness, he tended to crumble.
"I came here to scold you, not him." Grell shook his head. "He can wait longer to hear from me. You only harmed my beautiful face-he nearly reaped my soul. Big difference."
Undertaker propped his elbow on the table and he palmed his cheek in his hand. "Yet you said yourself that you pressed him to admit feelings. Lovely, there's a time when you must learn to back off. Trust me or not, everyone has their limits. I've no idea of the details that went on, but I suspect—knowing Willy—he gave you ample warning. Be that as it may, I can't blame you for feeling the way you do. By the by, I didn't mean to harm your sweet little face. The glass did all that."
The mortician almost looked sheepish. "I can be a big vigorous. You did lop off my hand, though."
"His warnings mean nothing when he gives them to me daily!" Grell insisted, "And you deserved that. It wasn't for my face, it was for touching my not-so-lady-bits without permission! They are called privates for a reason, Unnie."
The mortician waggled his fingers and grinned when the guard blinked at him. "Enjoying the conversation, chap?" When the guard looked away, Undertaker addressed Grell again. "I admit that wasn't the most appropriate way to satisfy my curiosity. I hope cutting off my hand gave you back a bit of dignity. Mayhap next time I'll have your permission to touch, eh?"
He winked at the redhead and relaxed in his chair, sitting back so that Grell would have to stand up and reach over the table to poke him again. Of course, as a being that lost his sense of shame long ago, the Undertaker had a plan worked out if Grell happened to do that.
"It did—and it was more satisfying than you know." Grell sighed, "But I suppose it was an over reaction." he mused, "Would you hold it against me if I still enjoyed having your hand hostage?"
To the surprise of the guard, the Undertaker laughed. "Not at all, lovely. You know, however...you don't need to chop my hand off to hold it."
He started to reach across the table to demonstrate his point and take Grell's hand, and the guard tensed and shook his head. "Sorry, Master Undertaker, but touching isn't allowed at this stage of your rehabilitation."
The mortician frowned at the man. "But he just poked me in the forehead," he objected with a graceful gesture at Grell. "You didn't get onto him."
"He isn't committed and it wasn't improper or threatening."
The Undertaker sighed, wondering what in the world anyone could find 'improper' or 'threatening' about touching someone's hand. "Party pooper."
Grell apparently also found the guard's words odd, and he decided to play, giving a flirty coo; "Ohh, are you just jealous that a handsome who's crazier than you would get to hold my hand?"
He got up and twirled over to the guard, leaning in as he read the man's name off his badge, "Tony. I'm flattered, but I did chop the man's hand off with an axe. I need to make sure it did in fact heal correctly. I'd feel bad if such an old reaper's wrist didn't heal proper. You'd let me examine it at least, right, darling?"
The guard seemed stunned, blinking at him, and Grell giggled. "Good enough answer!" He pulled back and walked over, sitting on the tabletop as he took Undertakers hand to examine his wrist, winking at the elder. The Undertaker's smile took to his ears as Grell gently turned his hand over, fingertips brushing lightly and cajolingly against his palm.
"And what's your diagnosis, nurse Sutcliff?" His voice was oddly husky and that surprised him. Goodness, it had been a long time since he'd flirted with anyone. His white-lashed gaze was heavy-lidded on the other reaper as he enjoyed the contact.
"No lasting damage, it seems... Maybe I should have used my scythe." Grell kissed Undertaker's long pointer finger before letting his hand go, "Leave my mark on you."
"Mmm, it's a scar I wouldn't have minded adding to my collection."
The guard cleared his throat and the mortician frowned up at him. "You're still here? Can't a body have a chat with a lady without you making throaty sounds of disapproval?"
The man seemed a bit cowed by the Undertaker's scolding—and nobody could blame him, considering the scowl on the ancient's normally smiling features. "I'm sorry, but your visitation time has expired. I'm afraid you'll have to carry on this...conversation...another time. Agent Sutcliff, I'm afraid it's time for you to leave the room so that the patient can be escorted back to his room."
"That's it?" Huffed the Undertaker. "Fifteen piddly minutes with my lovely bloodletter? You really are a party pooper."
"Sir, don't force me to have you sedated again," warned the guard, reaching for his communication device.
"But I'm the sexy agent who captured this crazy storm of a reaper. Surely I get to have a longer visit." Grell batted his eyelashes. "It's not like he's upset over seeing me."
"That may be so, sir—"
"Madam," corrected the Undertaker immediately; to which the guard gave the hairy eyeball to, "At least address a lady properly."
The guard cleared his throat. "Well, that may be so, but rules are rules and this particular patient is under heavy restriction and observation. I must insist: there can be no exceptions. Otherwise we must allow other exceptions as well."
"Posh," Grell waved him off, "He's as tame as a bunny." Grell said, moving around and taking the elder's long hair, holding thick locks of it up in a mockery of rabbit ears.
The guard looked away and visibly fought a smile. "I can allow five more minutes. Anything more will get me into trouble with my superiors."
Undertaker tucked his hands up like a bunny and nodded, a bright smile plastering itself on his face. "You're too kind. Well, Miss Sutcliff, should you ever desire it, I'll be happy to wear a pair of bunny ears and a puffy tail for you. Granted, most folks tend to compare me more to a wolf, but I could be a rabbit just for you."
"Whomever thinks you to be a wolf has never met me." Grell chuckled, hardly realizing that he'd let himself slip and was not only flirting, but was forgiving him before he had wanted to; and before he knew it, he'd planted a small kiss on the madman's cheek.
The Undertaker went still with surprise. How long had it been since he'd felt another's warm lips against his skin, on any part of his body? He couldn't recall. All he knew was it made him tingle all over and a delicate blush arose in his cheeks.
~Oh dear...I'm actually...blushing!~
He honestly thought he wasn't capable of such a thing anymore. Always a creature of impulse despite his being flustered, the mortician turned his head and returned the favor—only his kiss landed directly on Grell's still-puckered lips.
Now it was Grell's turn to be caught by surprise. His eyes widening behind his red frames. He tended to kiss others, but rarely did they ever kiss back. William never had, and Sebastian-forget about it. Yet, here he was, lips locked with none other's but Legendary Death's.
The dismal room they occupied faded away as Grell allowed himself to close his eyes and enjoy the treat given to him. Hardly noticing the scolding that he and/or Undertaker were now receiving from the guard. He slipped delicately into the man's lap, dropping his hair in favor of wrapping his arms around his shoulders before seeing how far he could take it before he found himself rejected; his tongue eagerly coaxing Undertaker's soft lips to part.
~Goodness...where was I, again?~
Undertaker couldn't recall. All that existed in the moment was the feel of this delicate but deadly reaper in his lap and the sweet caress of his tongue. He returned Grell's affections with enthusiasm and he had half a mind to pick him up and carry him into his cell—which the staff there affectionately but naively referred to as a "bedroom"—and pretend to make little reaper babes with him. His body heated up and he stroked Grell's hair, his tongue pushing in past the redhead's lips insistently.
"Sirs! I m-must protest," stammered the guard. "This is so beyond against the rules, I can't even...stop that! Undertaker, I'll be forced to call security and have you sedated!"
"Mmm, bugger off," mumbled the ancient, briefly breaking the kiss before claiming Grell's lips again. He cut his tongue on one of Grell's sharp teeth when he plunged it into his mouth again, but he hardly noticed it.
"He's-not even-poking-oops! I was wrong~" Grell giggled into Undertaker's mouth, feeling the man shift under him and feeling a hint of arousal in his loose-fitting light blue pants. "We aren't naked so it's fine!" he gasped out, "Let me enjoy this treat!"
"Agent Sutcliff, I have to ask you to get off of the patient right now and leave this room," insisted the guard, reaching for his communication device. "This sort of activity between visitors and patients is strictly forbidden without the proper authorization, and even then, it's limited!"
The Undertaker sighed and he reluctantly parted from the kiss. "I'd hate t' see you get into more trouble 'cause of me, lovely. Seems I've done enough harm already."
The redhead pouted, being pulled away from Undertaker and escorted to the door. "This place is still no fun. You guys never let me do what I want and I'm not even a loony in this glorified bin, this time." He glanced at Undertaker. "You'll see me again - if you're lucky." he winked before he was forced to leave the room.
"Hey! No pushing! Honestly, no one knows how to treat a lady here!"
The Undertaker sighed softly as he watched Grell leave, and then he glanced down at his crotch. "Quiet, you. We aren't likely to get a romp with that darling anytime soon even if she is willing, so behave yourself."
The body part in question wasn't paying the slightest bit of attention to his warning, though.
-To be continued