A/N: Well ladies and gents, I'm sorry about taking so long to update~! I caught a slight case of writer's block...but you see after a bit of studying, knitting, doodling, and reading the wonderful fictiony goodness of my friends, it worked~! ^_^ Anyways uh...I apologise for the William abuse in advance, perhaps I shouldn't write when I'm pissed off at people but hey it makes for awesome writing, ne? Uh...what else? I really dig your reviews everyone, they've been so sweet and I'm glad you're all enjoying it~! Also, if you're detecting the subtle scent of lemon...well there's maybe a hint. Enjoy!
"Hmmph, it's so white outside...there should be some more red..." Ronald looked up from his desk and blinked, watching Grell stare dreamily out the window. There had to be something behind what he said. Nobody randomly points out that there wasn't enough red outside, even Sutcliff. Ronald was about to say something when he shrugged and sauntered off, catching sight of a rather nasty smirk on his face.
"What the...? Oi, Francis...any reason why Grell is so chipper?" Francis perked up and glanced into Grell's office, watching him twirl around inbetween filing his nails. He stopped twirling though and whined, sitting down again, "Well?"
"Honestly Ronnie, I'd say maybe...he had sex last night? I mean, boy looks a bit sore based on how quick he sat down in there..." He shrugged and stood up, resting his hands on either side of the blond's desk. "You look nervous Ron, what's up? I mean, you're not worried about Grell going after the boss or anything, are you?" Ronald tossed his pen at the younger blond and glared, looking almost like he was going to have a fit. The hell did Francis know about him spending time with Will? It wasn't that obvious how close they were getting, was it? He stood up and pulled open one of the drawers, digging through them then looking back at Francis.
"Francis...Why in the hell would the boss want to go after Grell? They're like total opposites! Grel is loud and flamboyant and...just way too extreme for him! He needs someone who is calm and hard working but still fun and has a sense of humour! Someone that can balance things out! Someone like-"
"Someone like you, Ron? That is way against the rules though, you know that. You even think about a fling with the boss and you both end up in a disciplinary hearing!" Francis fished for his keys in his pocket and followed Ronald to General affairs. It was ridiculous, junior officers had to have their scythes locked up when not in the field, for why? Both needed constant maintenance, especially when Francis was still getting used to having a gas powered scythe. "Really why would you even want a fling with Mr. Spears anyway, he's so boring! He doesn't drink, never goes out to party, odds are he's so uptight that he even showers with his clothes on!"
"I'm afraid that that's all it would be, Ronald..." Both blonds stopped and looked into Eric and Alan's office, watching Alan attempt to organise Eric's desk again. The man could trash his desk in ten minutes. "Ronald, I'm really about you and Mr. Spears...I hope you're not too upset," Ronald blinked and stared at him for a moment, looking to Francis then back into the office. Now he was confused, what did Alan know that he seemed to miss? It was almost insane, considering Alan hated gossip. The only way he could know was if Eric knew. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair, looking towards the window for a moment then back to Alan. "Did...did Eric say something about it? I mean, he usually knows everything regarding this type of thing one way or another...must be awful nice for you two to have each other," Alan smiled a little and stood in front of him, glancing at Francis.
"Maybe you should go take care of your scythes, I don't think Ronald is in the best mood to do so," Francis stared at him and nodded quickly, almost running off. "Ronald, it's not exactly considerate to talk about things you don't understand. You're still young and have many many years ahead of you to worry about silly things like romance,"
"I understand perfectly, you two are all happy and in love and all of that rubbish, right? You think that life is a big basket of muffins now that you have to make you smile, is that correct? So was that it, Alan? Did you just want to rub that fact in my face?" He sniffed and took his glasses off, waiting for Alan to in fact start rubbing his relationship in his face, leaving him completely unprepared for what the brunette said next.
"If it's so perfect then why did we already have a fight? Answer me that. I don't even know what caused but..."
"But you're sorry, right? And the next time you break my glasses, try doing something more damaging than snapping the bridge," Eric stood in the doorway and watched them, arms crossed and smirking. "Did you tell him yet, Al? I'm certain it would be better for you to get over him now before you really end up hurt, kid. I'm really sorry..." He rubbed the back of his neck and went to his desk, smiling when he saw it organised again. "Alan, you really need to stop doing that..."
"I wouldn't have to if you would actually keep it clean," He stood and put a hand on Ronald's shoulder, smiling a bit. He really didn't have the nerve to tell Ronald about what had happened with William and Grell. Based on how he'd been acting lately, it might not be wise to tell him something that devastating. He sighed and placed his hands on Ronalds shoulders, not noticing Eric slinking over and sliding his arms around his waist. "Ronald...I'm afraid Mr. Spears and Grell, they uh...Well it's complicated you see. They've been around each other for a long time and...well you know things tend to go with people...and since the academy they've been near each other. But um, I seems that-"
"Will and Grell got back together, kid. Last night, showed up at my place last night stone drunk and searching for the idiot. How it always goes with them...they break up and Will ends up trashed begging for Sutcliff to take him back...I'm sorry kid. I told it was only a matter of time until they got back together, I suggest you set your sights on someone else..." Alan looked back at him when Eric cut in, there was something there in his eyes, and his voice. It took him a moment to place what it was, but it was almost impossible to deny, anger. It was really taking a lot for him to keep from simply flying into a rage about this subject. He glanced back at Ronald and bit his lip, only then realising that he was shaking. "Ronald...?"
"..." a small sniffle, a hiccup, then nothing. He stopped shaking and wiped his eyes, standing up quickly and turning back to them, ruling his hair a bit. Both stared at him and Alan pressed back against his partner as Ronald chuckled, "It's fine. That was a pretty good joke...I should probably go find Francis, we've got some work to do..." He sighed a bit and walked out of the office, finding Francis quickly and grabbing his mower. "Let's get this over with quick and easy, huh? I her the guys in Glasses are having a rave tonight," He grinned and started walking stopping when they passed William's office. It couldn't hurt for him to say goodbye to the boss on he way out, could it? He opened the door quietly and opened his mouth to say something instead stopping dead in his tracks.
"Will..." Grell slid his fingers into William's hair, instantly messing up it's perfect combed back style and causing the dark haired man to pull away and glare at him. "What? Don't tell me you're still against me calling you Will. It's been so long-"
"What do you want, Knox?" William glared past Grell and right at Ronald, adjusting his glasses. Ronald just stood there staring at them, clinging to the door frame for support. "Knox! Either state your business or get out of my office." He remained standing there until William began to move away from Grell, making him pout. "I'll ask you one more time Knox, and it BETTER be important. What do you want?" He opened his mouth a few times only to shut it again and slip out of the office. William raised an eyebrow and shut the door again, making sure to lock it. Ronald grabbed his mower and looked at Francis, shaking slightly.
"Come on...let's go so we can make it to that rave..." He sniffed a little and started walking, Francis trailing behind him. It wasn't exactly his place to ask about Ronald's personal affairs, but whatever he'd seen in William's office must have been retty intense to shake him up like it did. He glanced back to see Eric and Alan staring at them, not entirely surprised by his partner's sudden shock.
"Well well well, seems like you really do listen to orders, shinigami,"
"Get away from me, you filth." Sebastian simply laughed and ruffled William's hair, slowly making his way around the office. "Did you hear me?"
"I heard you fine. I also happened to see what you did, you've greatly reduced the amount of work I'd have to put in with seducing your precious little blond. I must return the favour at some time,"
"You stay far away from Ronald, demon. You lay one finger on him and-"
"And nothing! I've told you before Spears, I'm already under his skin and there isn't a damn thing you can do to change that. Besides, what would your dearest Sutcliff say if he knew how you felt?"
"I feel nothing but revulsion towards Sutcliff..."
"Oh? Is that why you showed up at his door, drunk, dishevelled, crying like a child...begging that he take you back? Give up Spears, enjoy your idiot lover. I'll be sure to take good care of Knox," William snarled and grabbed his scythe, directing it right at the demon's throat. "Have I crossed some sort of line, Mr. Spears? You seem to be angry..."
"You touch one hair on Ronald's head and I swear you will wish you had stayed in Hell, demon!"
"Is that to say you don't want Sutcliff? How indecisive you are, William. You become so possessive of that pretty little blond yet would rather spend your time with a gender-confused psychopath—Which do you prefer William?" The demon grinned as his eyes flashed, tossing the scythe off to the side like it was nothing. "William?" William just stood dumbstruck, rooted to the spot as Sebastian came closer. "William?...William?"
"William! Get up, man!" Will sat upright and looked around, finally seeing Eric with a hand his shoulder. "Are you alright? Looked like you were having one hell of a nightmare..."
"What do you want, Slingby?" He cringed and pulled his glasses off, rubbing his temples. That really had to have been an insane dream. He slipped his glasses back on and stared at Eric, slightly confused as to what he was doing in his office. "Shouldn't you be out working?"
"Hardly, it's just gone eight. We finished our shift four hours ago thanks to Ronald. Never seen him so focused on working before," He shrugged and grabbed some book off one of the shelves, flipping through it quietly. After what happened earlier, he was convinced Ronald had gone mad. He'd been the first one back and got through his paperwork in almost record time. He'd not spoken to anyone either, perhaps the shock of seeing them together really did a number on him. "Honestly Will, what on earth were you thinking? We'd all thought you were done with Sutcliff, so what the hell happened?" William merely sat at his desk as Eric flipped through the book some more.
"That's none of your business Slingby, go home..."
"Not until you talk to me like a human being Will. Remember I can always send you to the infirmary again for not listening to me," William stared at him and straightened up, looking at the chip In his desk from Grell's chainsaw. How was he supposed to explain it? He didn't want to hurt Ronald, keep him safe, would rather be miserable with Sutcliff than happy with Knox? "Well? Don't tell me you would prefer that Ronald be depressed and convinced that he's hopelessly devoted to some demon while you're miserable with that...thing? That is hardly the William I know. Despite the fact that you've only ever been with that idiot, you had told me that the last time you split was the final time so what changed your mind, Will?"
"What I do is none of your business Slingby—OW!" Eric grabbed his arm and forced him up, twisting it behind his back. "Why do you even care? Sholdn't you be worried about Alan? What I do on my pri-"
"Why would Eric need to worry about me, Mr. Spears? We're more worried about you and Ronald. He was really crushed earlier after seeing you and Grell together, why would you do something like that to him? Do you have any idea how cowardly that is? Something like that makes you out to look like a real rat bastard, you kn-"
"Overtime Humphries, you have no right to speak to your—OW! Slingby, are you trying to break my arm?" William hissed and looked back at Eric, cringing as the blond twisted his arm further. Any more pressure and it would snap no problem. "Why does it even concern you two what I do after hours?"
"Because you weren't doing it after hours, Will. We all saw you, and heard Sutcliff. You can't explain away what the entire office he-"
"Rubbish! There was nothing going on between Sutcliff and I. Have you forgotten? I absolutely despise him!" Both Eric and Alan stared at him, completely shocked. William was making no sense now. He sighed and pulled his glasses off again, looking down at the ground. He couldn't deny that he'd potentially fouled up, especially when the one he had to admit it to was Eric. The man had been the closest he had to a true friend since he left the academy. He glanced back at Eric and shivered, cringing suddenly when the blond tightened his grip on his arm.
"Why would you do that to yourself? If you hate him so much then why in the blue hell would you torture yourself like that? And don't give me any crap about being too nice because we all know that's a damn lie!"
"I—both of you, get out of my office or it'll be double overtime for six months with no p-" Alan walked around behind his desk and punched William hard in the face. He didn't even think about the consequences and suddenly stepped back and held his hand tight. "Y-you...H-huhumphries...?"
"That is low, William T. Spears. What you just said makes you out as a liar and a rat bastard and a filthy coward! How dare you have the nerve to hurt Ronald like that when you know he's already so fragile! You, you, you...you damned bastard!" He narrowed his eyes and punched William again, knocking him hard enough in Eric's grasp to break his arm. "You have some serious issues, Will. I suggest you seriously get your head checked before you hurt someone else," He pushed up his glasses and stormed out of the room, leaving him shaking in Eric's grip.
"I really..."
"Yes you did, Will. Now you need to talk to Ronald, and figure out just what you want to do, dig it?" William looked at the ground and nodded silently, shaking like a leaf. "I'd get that checked out just in case...Alan doesn't quite look it, but he can pack one hell of a whallop," he dropped William into a limp heap on the ground before exiting after Alan. "And by the way, Will. You better not have meant the overtime!"
"God, I'm getting too old for this..." Eric sighed as he hurried back to Alan's flat. He still had to stop at the market and grab a few things for a late dessert. He stashed his saw and slipped into the market without anyone seeing him. "Just let's get through this...it'll be soon enough...I swear," He swallowed and grabbed what he needed, stopping when he passed and old Japanese woman selling kimonos. He looked at them for a moment and caught sight of a bright blue one with tiny dragonflies all over it. "Whoa..."
"You like, sir?" Eric jumped when the woman nudged him with her cane, grinning. "I think blue suit you. Is there special someone you plan to buy for?" He blushed a bit and ran a hand through his hair, shifting the bag.
"Well uh...My uh, friend...He uh..."
"I see. I tell you what, you seem like nice boy...I give you two for one! Your choice! Come look!" She grinned and motioned for him to take a look. This woman must be blind not to notice the saw under his arm. "How bad are they?"
"Excuse me?" Eric furrowed his eyebrows and the old woman smiled, adjusting her old round frames. It wasn't until she chuckled that Eric realised her eyes were green, albeit dull and pale but green all the same. "How did-"
"Shhh, you take those and go home. Your friend must worry..." She grinned and folded the blue kimono as well as a red one with fans all over it. He barely noticed the other things she slipped in as well. "Good night, have fun!"
"Eric...what's in the boxes?" Alan glanced over at them once more from across the room. Eric had set them aside and set straight to cooking earlier, working on fixing...something. Chocolate cheesecake with some mint mousse on the side along with a piping hot mug of cocoa. Alan was speechless, and had really tried his hardest to avoid making that obvious to Eric. He set the plate down and shifted a bit, laying his head in Eric's lap and smiling. "It's nothing terrible...is it?"
"Not at all, dear. I just hope you won't kill me..."He was still waiting for an apology accepted from what happened earlier that week. Regardless of that they went right back to being close as ever, he sighed a little and began running his fingers through Alan's hair. The brunette smiled and glanced up at him, reaching up and sliding a hand into the older reaper's hair. It was almost an addiction, Eric's hair, it was soft, thick, wavy and almost like touching a warm silk blanket. Of course when it wasn't loaded with hair products it was even better. "Alan?"
"Hmmm? What was that?" He blinked and shook his hair from his eyes, only then realising he'd been talking and this whole time Alan had been obsessing about his hair. He sat up slightly and bit his lip, blushing heavily. "I uh...sure?" Eric grinned and helped him up, handing him one of the boxes.
"I hope you don't mind the colour," He slid his fingers through Alan's hair before pulling him in for a soft kiss, loosening his bolo tie before nudging him to his room. "Don't take too long..."