Alright here comes chapter 7! Be prepared for…. PAINFUL DOOM, PITIFUL HUMANS! Oops, sorry wrong speech. Be prepared for a twist to end time!
Sebastian spent a while just watching Grell sleep. He kissed the top of Grell's head and managed to leave the bed without waking the reaper. Sebastian hadn't really wanted to get up, but he needed to make sure everything was in order. He would return later – hopefully before Grell woke. Sebastian dressed and placed Grell's clothes on the chair by the window and left the bedroom.
As Sebastian opened the door, MeyRin, Bard, and Finny walked by. They stopped mid-step when they saw his disheveled hair. That was uncharacteristic of the world's greatest butler. Sebastian quickly shut the door behind him.
"What are you three doing?" he asked, eyes narrowed. Sebastian hadn't anticipated running into the servants. He also forgot to neaten his hair. Damn.
"N-Nothing, Sebastian. Just cleaning up, yes we are." MeyRin tried to pry her eyes from the disheveled hair and pull her mind out of the picture that was forming. Finny, innocent as always, pointed to Sebastian's head. "Your hair is messed up. What happened?"
Sebastian quickly neatened his hair.
"Nothing," he replied, "Shouldn't you be out in the garden Finnian?" Sebastian knew they were up to something, though not what it was.
"I was just going back. I replaced Grell's flowers from this morning. They were starting to wilt after he forgot to add water." MayRin slapped her hand over Finny's mouth, hoping Sebastian hadn't heard Finny refer to Grell as a man. "Well, we'll be off then, Sebastian."
Sebastian's eyes narrowed.
"Come back here you two," he ordered, voice dangerously low. The two gulped and slowly turned to face the butler. "Y-Yes?"
"I knew something was up. Why did you refer to Grell as "he"?" Sebastian inquired. Had they found out? Sebastian needed to know. Finny scratched the back of his head, laughing nervously. "Sorry, Sebastian, just a slip of the pronoun. I meant "she"."
Sebastian walked over to them and leaned down to look into their eyes.
"Do not lie to me. I might be more merciful if you tell me the truth," Sebastian said with a sickly sweet smile. Finny and MayRin gulped and fell to their knees, bowing repeatedly. "We're so sorry, Sebastian! We thought "Grell" sounded familiar and so we set out to ask if she was really the bumbling butler Madam Red had! We're sorry! Please don't bake us into a pie!"
"Ah. I see," Sebastian replied mildly. He smacked them both on the head. "If you try and deceive me or Grell again, you will be punished severely. " Sebastian sighed and pressed his fingers to his forehead.
"It is true. Grell was Madam Red's butler," he said. Sebastian decided he might as well, they pretty much already knew. MeyRin looked up at Sebastian, curiously as Finny rubbed the growing bump on his head. "Then why is he here? Surly he could find work easily, he could."
"He is here because it is not safe for him elsewhere," Sebastian replied. Should he really tell them everything? Well, he could lie about some things, but how would they react?
Finny gasped. "Oh no! Why, what's happening? Who's after him?"
Sebastian debated then finally came to a decision. He could always eat them if they tried to tell anyone.
"Grell is not a butler. He is not human either. Grell is a Grim Reaper and the other Reapers he worked with are not pleased with him so he is staying here," Sebastian explained. MayRin and Finny sat in silence, just staring at Sebastian. Bard stood. "Look if ya don't wanna tell us, ya don't have to."
Sebastian shook his head.
"Given your experience with Pluto I would have expected you to be less shocked," he commented. "I suppose that telling you I am not human either will surprise you as well. Shall I prove what I'm telling you?"
Bard raised an eyebrow. "How the hell would you prove it? No wait, I don't wanna know. C'mon Finny, MeyRin." Bard grabbed the shocked servants by the back of their collars and pulled them back to the kitchen.
Sebastian frowned and followed them. He stopped outside the kitchen door to listen. Sebastian supposed it would be inconvenient to kill them were they plotting to do something stupid, but he would do so if necessary.
MeyRin got onto her feet, the shock wearing off her much better than Finny. "Oh, Barlroy, what are we gon' do? Sebastian isn't human! Do ya think we're in danger?" She tried to shake Finny out of his shock.
"How am I supposed to know!? I mean, he coulda killed us any of the times we messed up, right?" Bard replied, pacing back and forth.
Finny sat up. "But he didn't. That should count for something. I like Sebastian, human or not!"
Bard shook his head.
"But he's a demon! He's been lyin' to us since we all met 'im! Does the Young Master know? What if Sebastian did something to 'im and that's why he's not around?" Bard exclaimed. Finny crossed his arms.
"Why don't you ask, Sebastian then? I think that we can trust Sebastian." MeyRin touched his shoulder.
"Oh, Finny, your heart is pure gold. But Bard has a point, if Sebastian got rid of the Young Master, why would he keep us around?"
"Cause he found us! I owe a lot to Sebastian and I'm not gonna judge 'im just cause he's a demon." Finny's eyes started to water as he touched the back of his neck. Bard sighed.
"Fine, we'll ask 'im," Bard said. If they were going to die, they might as well try to find out what they could first. Besides, he couldn't really say no when Finny cried. Bard sighed and nodded.
"Let's do this!" Bard opened the kitchen door.
Sebastian stepped back and raised an eyebrow.
"Done you three?" he asked. MeyRin nodded, her arm wrapped around Finny's shoulders. She nudged Bard's shoulder, a little nervous of what Sebastian might do to them.
"So. Does the Young Master know what you are?" Bard asked. Go bold or go home, as his army buddies would say. "Why is he not around? I don't believe what you told us before."
Sebastian chuckled.
"Yes, the Young Master knew. He made a contract with me," Sebastian explained, "In return for helping him take revenge on who ruined his life, I would eat his soul."
Finny scratched at his temple. "But why would Master want revenge? Wasn't the fire an accident?"
"It was hardly an accident," Sebastian replied. "It was an attack and Ciel was taken away. He was abused and when it became too much he called my name. We made a deal and I became Sebastian."
Bard frowned.
"So you killed him?" he asked suspiciously. Sebastian smirked.
"Yes and no."
"What do you mean "yes and no"? It's not a difficult question." MeyRin shrunk behind Bard once again. Sebastian sighed. He supposed he ought to explain.
"Our contract was completed. However, his memories were lost and so he became weak. Another demon – you remember Claude Faustus, butler to Alois Trancy? Claude was also a demon, under contract with Alois. He stole Ciel from me and attempted to make a contract with him. There is too much to go into. Suffice to say, Ciel made a deal with another demon and became a demon himself. He tricked me into staying his butler for eternity," Sebastian said, becoming angry just remembering what had happened. Bard's jaw dropped a little.
Finny and MeyRin blinked in surprise. "So what happened to the master? Is he...?" Finny gulped already knowing the answer. Sebastian huffed.
"I had to get out of the contract somehow. Grell helped me with that. So, to answer your question, yes, Ciel is dead. He would have been dead a while ago had the contract not been interrupted," Sebastian replied.
"But…." Bard opened and closed his mouth a few times. How was someone supposed to respond to that? Finny took off his hat and held it to his chest. "I wish you would've told us, Sebastian. He was our master too."
Sebastian sighed.
"It is, against the rules one might say, to out oneself to humans not under contract and that would be the only way to explain why he is dead. I am only telling you because I know you won't tell anyone…and because Grell would probably have ended up telling you at some point," he said.
"Why would he care?" Bard asked. "He's a…Grim Reaper, right?"
"Honestly, I don't know why he didn't want to lie to you. And yes, he is a reaper," Sebastian replied.
"I didn't want to lie, because I like you three. Very loyal." Grell chimed in behind them, a blanket wrapped around his naked body and his only source of clothing. "I was wondering what all the noise was about, but I never expected Bassy to come clean."
Sebastian turned.
"Grell? You're up?" he asked, walking over to him. Sebastian had expected Grell to be asleep for a while. Or at least bedridden. Most were after sleeping with a demon who used put their all into it.
"Yes, why shouldn't I be?" Grell looked back to the three servants, walked up to Finny and bend down in front of him. "You're quite the brave one for sticking by Sebastian despite knowing he's a demon. A loyal quality that's hard to find. Don't ever lose it." He looked up at the other two and smiled. "As long as I have anything to say on the matter, you three can stay as long as you want."
Sebastian would ask about it later. He looked back over at the servants.
"As long as you do not tell anyone, I don't much care," Sebastian said.
"I'm not sayin' anything," Bard replied.
Finny instantly saluted. "I won't tell!" MeyRin stepped up. "Neither will I." She bowed to Grell. "I'm sorry for staring at you yesterday. We were trying to learn if you were a woman or not." Grell smiled, his teeth glistening. "You could've asked, dear. I wouldn't have gotten mad."
"Really?" Bard asked, raising an eyebrow. Sebastian cleared his throat.
"Maybe it would be best to continue the conversation after you get dressed, Grell," Sebastian suggested. No-one had the right to see Grell unclothed but him. MeyRin looked at the blanket and held her nose. Grell blushed and excused himself. Bard scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.
"Please excuse me for a moment," Sebastian said, and followed after Grell.
"This's been a long, weird day and it isn't even noon yet," Bard commented.
_††_
Sebastian opened the door to their bedroom and slipped inside.
"Grell, are you…alright?" he asked. Grell turns to face Sebastian as he buttoned his shirt closed, hiding the red corset. "Of course, why would you think otherwise?"
Sebastian looked perplexed.
"After last night…Well, it's unusual," he replied. "I am glad you are unhurt. It's merely surprising."
"What do you mean unusual? I mean, I know my gait is rather uncomfortable, but physically I couldn't be better." Grell picked up his bowtie and tied it around his neck, making sure it was perfect in the mirror.
Sebastian tilted his head a bit.
"Well, it is common for the bed partners of demons to be bed ridden for a while after. Sometimes even an entire day," he explained. Sebastian couldn't help but admire Grell from behind as he spoke; Grell was rather sexy and proved to be distracting.
"Maybe it's cause I'm not an average creature." Grell turned and smiled, showing off his teeth. Sebastian walked over and kissed Grell's cheek.
"You're certainly not average. But what do you mean by creature?" he asked. Didn't Grell mean reaper?
Grell chuckled. "I'm a mix, darling."
Now Sebastian was confused.
"A mix of what, Grell?" he inquired.
Grell turned to face Sebastian. "My father was a reaper. My mother was a Succubus. I'm a mix."
Well, that both answered and raised a lot of questions.
"Really?" Sebastian asked in surprise, "I've never heard of a Succubus attracting a reaper before." Did the other reapers know about Grell. Is that why Spears had always been an ass? This was certainly a strange twist of events.
"Eh, what can I say, she was a woman of different tastes." Grell turned back around and picked up the brush, running it through his hair. Sebastian chuckled.
"I suppose you picked that up from her, then," he commented. "Ah, I also want to apologize for not being there when you awoke, Grell. I had expected to be able to clean things up and return."
Grell giggled. "I got her hair and teeth too." Grell flipped his brushed hair behind his shoulder. "It's ok that you weren't with me, I understand, darling."
Sebastian smiled.
"You must also have inherited her powers. You're impossible to resist," he said. Grell smiled. "Then how did you resist me for so long? Hehe. I doubt I got her powers, darling."
"Well, I must confess I'd been losing resistance since not long after we met," Sebastian replied with a chuckle. He leaned down over Grell's shoulder and kissed him.
Grell giggled. "Well you're the first." Grell walked over to the bed and pulled on his vest. Sebastian shook his head.
"Well, others' loss is my gain," he said with a smile. Sebastian strode over to him and took hold of his hand.
"I love you."
Grell froze. He turned to look at Sebastian. "What did you say, Sebastian?"
Sebastian blinked. He surprised himself, honestly. It was the truth, though.
"I love you, Grell," Sebastian repeated with a smile.
Grell's heart flipped. "R-Really?"
"Yes, really," Sebastian said. It was such a new feeling, but it was amazing. He loved Grell. Grell threw his arms around Sebastian with a squeal of delight. "But I thought you couldn't love."
Sebastian wrapped his arms around Grell.
"I didn't think I could. Honestly, I'm surprised. But I do love you," he replied, kissing Grell's hair. Grell leaned into Sebastian's chest sighing. "You don't know how long I've wanted to hear you say that, Bassy."
Sebastian smiled.
"I'll try to say it as often as you want me to," he promised. Grell smiled and pushed himself on his toes to reach Sebastian's lips. Sebastian kissed him passionately. He ran his gloved fingers through Grell's hair and pulled him closer. Grell moaned into the kiss, his lips parting slightly. Sebastian pushed his tongue into Grell's mouth, avoiding his teeth as much as possible. He curled his tongue around Grell's briefly before letting his tongue slide across the roof of his mouth.
Grell shudders and pulls back, a thin string connecting the two. "Mmmm, sorry, love, but we can't afford to get all hot and bothered right now. Maybe tonight."
Sebastian gave him a quicker kiss.
"Very well," he agreed. "What would you like to do instead?"
Grell tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm hard decision. I think you should go back to the three humans first. I'll think of something."
"Yes. They are probably still rather confused," Sebastian said with an incline of his head. "I will see you later, Grell." He kissed Grell's cheek and left the room.
"Bye-bye, Bassy." Grell blew a kiss.
Sebastian made his way downstairs. He was happier than ever. The servants were probably in the kitchen; that seemed to be their hide out so that was where he headed. Finny was filling the vases in the ballroom. He saw Sebastian and ran up to him. "Sebastian! Are you and Grell gonna have another party tonight? I can get more roses from the garden."
Sebastian stopped and turned to Finny.
"I don't know. However, you can plant some red roses in the garden," he said. He still had some pocket money left over. He pulled it out and handed it to Finny.
Finny took it and nodded. "They're for Grell, aren't they?" Finny smiled giggling. "You want to see him happy!"
If Sebastian were the type to blush that would have done it.
"Yes…they are for Grell," he replied.
"Aww, how sweet, Sebastian! I'll get the best roses I can!" Finny jumped with excitement and rushed out the door. Sebastian grumbled to himself. It was a good thing no other demons would know about that. He did have a reputation to uphold after all. Sebastian dusted nonexistent dirt off his coat and continued on his way.
MeyRin was at a cabinet reaching for a tea set, the chair she stood on rocked uncomfortably. "Oh, dear..."
Sebastian spotted the impending disaster and hurried over to steady the chair.
"MeyRin, please use a step ladder next time," Sebastian sighed in annoyance. MeyRin looked down. "Oh I'm sorry, Sebastian. I can't find the step ladder anywhere!" She carefully got the tea set down and stepped off the chair.
"I will find it for next time, then. Please be careful with the tea set," Sebastian said. "What are you getting it for in the first place?"
MeyRin blushed. "Well, you and Grell are in love, aren't ya? We thought we'd make you two a picnic to celebrate, yes we did." Sebastian was about to ask her why she thought such a thing, but, it was true. Besides, a picnic might be enjoyable for Grell.
"I…Thank you. That would be appreciated," Sebastian replied. Then something occurred to him. If they were all in on this then Bard…
"Please be careful," Sebastian said, yet again, and dashed off to the kitchen. Bard was in the kitchen, a roast on the stove and a flamethrower in his hand. Sebastian burst through the doors.
"Put the flamethrower down!" he snapped. "How many times do I have to tell you that flamethrower's are not used in cooking?"
Bard huffed and turned the flamethrower off. "Fine, fine. Ya don't have to shout." Sebastian rubbed his temples.
"Why don't you make something that doesn't require heat? I'll take care of the roast," he suggested. At least he made it in time. "I was gonna make san'wiches but ya weren't supposed to find out." Bard scratched the back of his head. Sebastian paused.
"I see. Well, it would have been, but MeyRin told me. It can be a surprise for Grell. I don't eat," Sebastian replied. He supposed the servants weren't all bad, despite how annoying they could be. If he were human he probably would have been moved.
"A'right." Bard turned and got the lettuce, tomatoes, and bread from the ice box. Sebastian mixed together spices for the roast and placed it in the oven. He glanced over his shoulder at Bard.
"You three have taken all the information I gave you this morning surprisingly well," Sebastian commented.
"Eh, Finny and MeyRin talked me in'o it. I woulda burned at the stake." Bard picked up a knife and chopped the tomatoes. Sebastian chuckled.
"I see," he said. Sebastian began making an herbal tea.
"Forgive me for wonderin' but wha' have you been doin' with the red-head when ya think we can't 'ear?" Bard gave a smirk. "He's a bit louder than ya think."
Sebastian froze.
"…It is none of your business," he said stiffly. Sebastian would do something about that next time.
"Eh, that's as good an answer as any. Ya can't really deny it, after all." Bard pushed once more the dropped it. "Finny has been gripin' about how he misses Pluto. He wants another dog."
Another dog? Sebastian would have gagged, but he was better than that.
"Dogs are ridiculous creatures and will tear up the garden. If he can find a small one he can train…I will….allow it," it pained Sebastian to say that. "If it tears up anything. The house or the garden, or chases the cats, it will be removed from the premises."
Bard looked at him. Now that was a surprise. Finny hadn't been asking about a dog at all, Bard just wanted to see how far Sebastian was willing to go.
"O-Okay, I'll tell Finny when he gets back." MeyRin walked in with the tea set as Bard walked out.
"H're's the tea set! Huh, Bard where are you going?"
"To get a dog..."
MeyRin raised an eyebrow. "Sebastian? Can he get a dog?"
Sebastian pulled the roast out of the oven.
"I'm allowing it for now. If it causes more problems than it's worth, then I will get rid of it," he replied. The servants had kept the manor in decent condition while he was gone, and they had been surprisingly helpful recently. He supposed he could be kind to them once in a while. "Please put the tea set on the table over there, MeyRin."
MeyRin set it down. "Wow, Sebastian! I never thought you'd let us get a dog to replace Pluto! Thank you!" MeyRin hugged Sebastian quickly. Sebastian sniffed in disdain.
"Yes, well, we'll see how long it stays. Would you fetch the picnic basket?" he replied. He sliced the roast and gathered up some fruit. He wrapped everything up. MeyRin handed him the basket along with some silver-wear. "H're ya go, Sebastian. Should I go get the lady?"
"Yes, please," said Sebastian as he packed up the basket. "Bring Grell outside." He picked up the basket and headed out to the garden to set up the picnic.
MeyRin ran up to the master bedroom and knocked. Grell opened the door and smiled. "Yes, dear?" MeyRin bowed with a smile. "Sebastian is waitin' for you in the garden, miss. He asked me to come get you, yes he did."
Grell lit up. "Oh, Bassy! Thank you, MeyRin! I'll see you later, dear." Grell ran down the stairs and out the back.
Sebastian had laid out a blanket and set up the plates and tea. He looked up when he heard Grell coming. Sebastian hoped Grell liked the picnic. Grell stopped a few yards short of the picnic, his hands clasped together and his face beaming. "Oh, Bassy! How romantic!"
"So I gather you approve?" Sebastian chuckled. He walked over to Grell and pecked his cheek. Sebastian then held out his arm.
Grell took it, blushing. "Of course I do, how could I not?" Grell sat on the blanket and looked over it. "Is this what you had in mind for today?"
Sebastian debated whether or not to tell Grell it was not his idea.
"I did want to do something special for you today, but this was the servant's idea. I did save the food from being torched, though," he explained, pulling out the food from the basket. He poured Grell a cup of tea and held it out for him.
"Aww. You'll have to remind me to give them each a hug." Grell sipped at the tea. Sebastian inclined his head.
"I will. Would you care for a sandwich? Some roast? Fruit?" Sebastian offered, presenting the food choices to his lovely red reaper. Grell giggled. "I don't care," He leaned up to look Sebastian in the eye. "I'll eat annnnnnything."
Sebastian chuckled.
"Is that so?" he replied. Sebastian picked up a strawberry and held it to Grell's lips. He smirked.
Grell smirked and wrapped his lips around the red fruit, his teeth severing it at the stem. Sebastian leaned forward and kissed him. He may not care for the taste of the fruit, but Grell was a whole other story.
Grell pulled back swallowing the fruit. "So, what are you going to do for food now?"
Sebastian thought for a moment.
"I will be full for at least a week. I suppose I'll go after easy prey for a little while. Why?" he replied. Sebastian hadn't even thought about it. Grell really was distracting.
"Just wondering, since you don't have the brat anymore. By the way, how did it taste?" Grell smiled as he finished off his tea. Sebastian smiled.
"It was one of the finest soul's I've eaten in millennia. There is no way to properly describe it but it would be comparable to the richest chocolates, or the most savory of meats. It was certainly a feast," he nearly drooled thinking back on it, but refrained.
"It will keep me satisfied for a time. I don't think I will make another contract any time soon," Sebastian explained.
"If it tastes that good, why wouldn't you want it again?" Grell grabbed another strawberry.
"Souls like that are difficult to come by. They have to have suffered just the right amount. One that seeks revenge and one that has cruelty in it is better. A soul that still has remnants of innocence left. Most that would make a contract are petty and rather stupid. Their souls aren't quite as appetizing," Sebastian replied.
"That's a shame." Grell eyes the plump red fruit and runs his tongue over it tantalizingly. "Hope you find another soul as good soon."
Sebastian's eyes followed Grell's tongue.
"You shouldn't, though I appreciate the thought. If I make another contract soon I won't have as much time for you," he explained. Sebastian held back from jumping Grell right then and there.
"That is true. And you do know that I need attention. Hehe." Grell smiles and decapitates the strawberry. Sebastian smirked.
"Yes, a lot of attention," he agreed. Sebastian leaned forward and licked up a little drip of the strawberry's juice at the corner of Grell's mouth. He kissed along Grell's jaw, then down to his neck.
Grell giggled. "My, my, Bassy, do I get you hot?"
"Yes," Sebastian growled. He pulled back however. "You've been teasing me with those strawberries."
"Who, me? Never." Grell smirked innocently. Sebastian shook his head and chuckled.
"It wouldn't be proper for me to jump you here in the garden, but you're making it difficult," he said. Grell laughed and lied on his stomach, his chin in his hands. 'Let's see how far I can push him. Maybe he'll punish me tonight...' "I'm not doing anything, darling. You're imagining things."
Sebastian raised an eyebrow.
"I'm imagining things? Really, Grell?" He replied.
Grell smiled. "Yes. You must be." He reaches over and grabs another strawberry between his fingers. "Why on earth would I tease you, darling?"
Sebastian chuckled and plucked away the strawberry.
"Then maybe I ought to do something to insure I don't imagine things," he said, holding the strawberry just out of reach. Grell pouted, his lip puffed out. Sebastian smirked and kissed him. Around the corner, came Finny, a small brown dog choking in his arms. "Sebastian!"
Sebastian sat up. Once he noticed the dog he sighed.
"Finnian, relax your grip on the dog or you will choke it," he called over. Not that he would mind much, but Finny would cry and that was too much of a bother to deal with. Finny loosened his grip instantly. "Oopsie! Thank you, Sebastian! Don't worry, I'll train him perfectly!"
Grell giggled. "You let him have a dog? How sweet, Bassy!"
Sebastian huffed.
"Yes, but if it makes a mess or chases the cats…" he let the threat hang. Sebastian didn't know why he was being so nice to them. It was probably a side-effect of being in the human world for so long. Grell ruffled Finny's hair lovingly.
"Why don't you get a jump on training, honey?"
Finny nodded. "Okay! Thank you, Sebastian!"
"Oh, wait." He kissed Finny's cheek sweetly. "Thank you for planning this picnic for us, dear." Finny blushed and touched his cheek.
"You're welcome, Grell. Bye-bye!" Finny ran off.
Sebastian raised an eyebrow.
"Are you trying to spoil him?" he asked with a slight chuckle.
"It's impossible not to, darling! You can't deny he's adorable, Bassy!" Grell leaned against Sebastian's shoulder. "Besides, you spoil me~."
Sebastian stroked Grell's hair.
"Yes, I suppose I do. But that's because I love you," he said, wrapping an arm around Grell's waist.
"Well would it be so bad if I loved them?" Grell laid his head back on Sebastian's lap, looking up at him. Sebastian faked a look of hurt.
"Grell, should I be jealous?" he asked, a smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth. Sebastian pet Grell's hair. "To answer your question properly, no, it wouldn't be so bad. Just so long as you remember that they do have work to do."
"Are you jealous, Bassy?" Grell giggled. Sebastian bent down to kiss him.
"Insanely so," he replied with a grin. Grell feigned a surprised gasp.
"You are all mine," Sebastian said, laying a possessive hand on Grell's hip. To say that Sebastian was a little possessive would be an understatement.
Grell bit his lip and blushed. "You know, usually, being this possessive drives a woman away."
Sebastian raised an eyebrow.
"Is it driving you away, Grell?" he asked. Sebastian began stroking Grell's hair again – he found it oddly soothing to do.
"What would make you think it would?"
"Nothing. I was merely making sure. I don't want to make you unhappy," Sebastian replied. He would be damned if he messed up the best thing that had ever happened to him. Grell removed a glove, reached up and laid his hand to Sebastian's cheek, locking eyes with the demon. "You could never make me unhappy, Sebastian."
Sebastian removed his own glove and placed his hand over Grell's.
"Good. I love you, Grell," he said.
"I love you too, Sebastian." Grell smiled at the feeling of Sebastian's hand on his. Sebastian linked their fingers and turned his head to kiss Grell's palm. Grell giggled, the touch tickling the sensitive skin of his palm.
"I feel so lucky to have you," murmured Sebastian. Again, he was glad no other demons were around to see him be so…sentimental. However, he would be as loving and sentimental as he wanted to be while there was nothing to worry about.
Grell smiled. "All the time?"
Sebastian smiled back.
"All the time," he confirmed. Sebastian smirked
"Even when you're at your most annoying," he teased.
Grell feigned hurt. "You think I'm annoying?"
Sebastian chuckled.
"Only very rarely," he replied, grinning. Grell cuddled closer and leaned his head against Sebastian's chest, as if searching for a heartbeat. Sebastian wrapped his arms around Grell and sighed contentedly. He kissed the top of Grell's head with a smile. Grell pulled back from the embrace, a worried look on his face and his hand on his stomach. Sebastian tilted his head.
"Grell, are you alright?" he asked. Grell swallowed, his shoulders shaking slightly. Sebastian frowned.
"What's wrong?" he asked again. Something was certainly up. Was Grell sick? Did Bard mess up the food? Grell stood and tried to run to a bush, but threw up before he could. Sebastian jumped to his feet and hurried over. He quickly moved Grell's hair out of the way. What the hell? How did Grell get sick? Grell panted as he finished, tears pricking at his eyes from the waves of nausea. He gripped his head to steady himself.
Sebastian placed a hand at Grell's back, hoping to help soothe and steady him.
"Are you going to be sick again?" he inquired. If not he would bring Grell upstairs and have him lie down.
Grell struggled with his words through the heavy breathing. "I...don't...k-know..."
Sebastian rubbed his back and produced a glass of water.
"Here, to wash out your mouth," he explained. It wouldn't be good for Grell to throw up again from having the taste still in his mouth. Grell took it thankfully and swished the liquid around his mouth before spitting it out again. He stood up straight and touched his forehead to Sebastian's shoulder.
"I'm sorry, I don't know what happened... I feel...dizzy..."
"Do not apologize, Grell. I'll bring you upstairs so you can lie down," Sebastian replied. He scooped Grell into his arms bridle-style and carried him inside. Sebastian brought Grell to the bedroom and placed him gently on the bed. He picked up a wastebasket and set it beside the bed.
"Please use that if you feel the need," Sebastian said. Grell nodded and closed his eyes trying to relax.
"I'll be back momentarily," Sebastian informed him. He would clean the garden later, right now he needed to find Bard. Sebastian would not be surprised if he had messed up the food, causing Grell to be sick. He headed for the door.
Bard and MeyRin were in the front yard watching Finny try to train his new dog. Sebastian found them quickly.
"Barlroy!" he growled. Sebastian's eyes flashed angrily. If Bard had indeed caused this, well, he would need to search for a new chef. Bard jumped and turned around.
"What! God I'm right 'ere! No need ta shout." MeyRin and Finny stopped playing and the dog cowered behind Finny's legs.
"What did you do to the food?" Sebastian demanded.
"What do ya mean, Sebastian? I just cut the veggies." Bard was a little scared to say the least, Sebastian looked like he was about to kill him. "Why? Wha' 'appened?"
Sebastian's eyes narrowed.
"Grell is sick. It only happened after he ate," he said, voice dangerously low.
Bard gulped but held up his hands in defense. " 'ey, don't look at me; I may be human, but that don't mean I'm stupid enough ta try an' poison a demon's lover."
Sebastian gave a frustrated sigh.
"I don't believe you would have done that deliberately," he said. It didn't matter. He would check the food. Sebastian stormed off, heading for the garden. He got to the food, brought it back to the kitchen and began checking it all. When he didn't find anything wrong, he was stumped. What caused Grell to be sick, then?
MeyRin walked into the kitchen nervously. "Um, Sebastian...?"
Sebastian huffed in annoyance.
"What, MeyRin?" he replied, looking over at the maid.
"C-Could I take a look at 'im? I might be able to help." MeyRin looked at Sebastian hopefully. Sebastian stared for a moment. What could a nearly blind maid do? Sebastian sighed. He supposed she couldn't make things any worse.
"Fine," he agreed, and head out of the kitchen. MeyRin bowed and walked to the bedroom. Once she got there, she removed her heavy glasses and placed them on her head. Sebastian stood by the bed and watched her closely.
"Grell, MeyRin is going to see if she can find out what might be making you sick," he said. Grell nodded weakly. MeyRin held his wrist counting. "Grell? What's your normal pulse rate?"
Grell moaned, clutching his stomach. "Ngh... 50 beats per minute..." MeyRin nodded and touched his forehead.
"Temperature?"
"96.7..." MeyRin nodded again and reached into the pocket of her dress, taking out a thermometer and slipping it under Grell's tongue. After a minute, she looked at it again and slipped it back into her pocket, looking up at Sebastian.
"Well?" Sebastian asked. He certainly hoped it was nothing serious, but he'd never heard of reapers becoming sick before, though that didn't mean anything necessarily.
MeyRin pulled him aside. "Did you two go at it last night?"
Sebastian raised an eyebrow.
"What would that have to do with this? Most demons don't carry disease," he replied. MeyRin shook her head, a small chuckle escaping her lips. "No, Sebastian, um... He's a reaper right?"
"That is correct," Sebastian said. He had to wonder where this could possibly be going. MeyRin bit nervously at her lip.
"I wouldn't rely on my opinion alone, Sebastian, I don't know about inter-species breeding. However, I also helped my own mother with 7 children..." MeyRin looked up at the demon. "In my, nonprofessional opinion... Grell is suffering from very rapid morning sickness."
Sebastian's eyes widened.
"You…think Grell is pregnant?" he asked. Was that even possible? Sebastian was quite sure males of any species couldn't get pregnant.
MeyRin nodded once. "That's only from what I see, sir. I don't know the interworking's of a reaper's body so I can't be definitive. You should seek a second opinion from another reaper before you tell him."
Sebastian was, for once, unsure how to respond.
"I will. Thank you, MeyRin," he said after a moment. Undertaker was the only reaper that might help. He just hoped the silver reaper would.
MeyRin smiled and replaced her glasses. "Would you like me to stay with 'im till ya get back?"
"Yes," Sebastian replied. He needed to know if this was actually possible. Sebastian hurried out of the bedroom, down the stairs, and out of the manor. He would be as quick as possible. MeyRin sat next to a sleeping Grell and smiled.
What's to happen to Grell now? Stay tuned for the next chapter.