A/N: Hey! I'm so glad people are enjoying the story so far! :3 I hope you continue to enjoy the story and continue to review.
Chapter 2
Grell led Sebastian out of the brothel.
"I didn't actually check to make sure it was still intact when London burned….But I'm sure it's mostly fine," he said, smiling happily at his darling Sebastian.
"If not, I can fix it, ma'am." Sebastian gave a charming smile. He knew exactly what Grell wanted to hear so at least there wouldn't be any surprise requests. Grell giggled.
"You're such a charmer, Sebby. But I don't mind if you call me by my first name," he replied. Though Grell adored hearing Sebastian being so gentlemanly, he didn't want him to always be so formal.
Ok maybe there would be a surprise request or two. Sebastian had never gotten that request; of course humans were greedy things. This was already proving to be a contract like no other.
"My apologies, Grell."
Grell shook his head.
"It's quite alright, darling," he giggled lightly. "Now, let's go." Grell, regrettably, let go of Sebastian's hand to hop up onto the roof of the brothel. Running along the roof tops always seemed to be the fastest route for Grell, and he hoped it wouldn't take long to return to London.
Sebastian joined Grell on the rooftop and, without really thinking, picked the red-head up bridal style, and began carrying him to the manor. Grell yelped in surprise. He looked around and then up at Sebastian. Grell's cheeks turned as red as his hair and he clung tightly to Sebastian.
"I must say I wasn't expecting this, but thank you, Sebby," he giggled, rubbing his cheek happily against Sebastian's chest. Sebastian was actually surprised by his own actions. He was so used to the helpless orders his usual masters give him.
"I apologize, Grell, I guess I'm just used to humans' orders." He smiled down at the Reaper. Grell loved Sebastian's smiles – especially now that they were directed at him.
"It's fine. I'm very much enjoying this mode of transport," he replied with a grin. Grell sighed happily. This night was turning out to be the best yet.
Sebastian couldn't help but smile at that.
"I had a feeling you would." He held Grell closely. He was actually not bothered at much as he thought he would be. Soon enough, they reached Madam Red's manor.
Grell was a little disappointed they had made it there so quickly. He looked at the manor and smiled. It looked a little damaged, but not nearly as much as some places.
"Good! It's still standing," he said gleefully. Sebastian gently set Grell down and looked over the damage. It was an easy fix.
"Would you like me to restore it, my lady?"
Grell smiled up at him.
"Yes, please," he replied, his hips swaying back and forth happily. Sebastian gave a bow and quickly restored the slightly damaged manor. Grell's eyes widened as he moved closer to the restored manor.
"Oh my, Sebby! You're very talented!" he praised with a grin. Sebastian smiled with a bow.
"Thank you, my lady." He turned and held the door open for Grell. Grell giggled and walked inside. It looked better than he'd last seen it. The floor even sparkled! Grell turned and threw his arms around Sebastian's neck.
"You're absolutely wonderful, darling!" he trilled. Sebastian gave a smile. This wasn't as bad as he had thought it would be. He actually -dare he say it- enjoyed it.
"What orders do you have for me, Grell?"
Grell thought for a moment.
"Well, it's been a long day…I still have paperwork to do, but I really ought to clean up," he pouted. Grell had the paperwork appear in his hands from the dimension he kept most of his things.
"Would you mind organizing these while I bathe?"
Sebastian bowed his head and took the paperwork, cleaning the blood from it with a thought.
"Of course, my lady."
Sebastian walked down to the study. Grell beamed and hurried up to the master bath.
About an hour later, Grell was clear of blood and making his way to the study. It felt a little strange to have a butler since he was used to doing everything himself. Grell smiled. It was certainly nice, though, especially when that butler was his handsome Sebastian darling!
Grell practically skipped into the study. Sebastian stood next to the desk, a smile on his face. Grell smiled when he saw the neatly stacked papers on the desk.
"Oh, thank you, Sebby! Those will be much easier to complete now," he gushed, sitting down behind the desk to get started. They were due in the morning and if he didn't get them completed, Will would surely demote him again. Sebastian gave a quick smile and pushed Grell's chair in.
"Will there be anything else, my lady?" he inquired with an arm over his chest. Grell tapped his chin with his finger in thought.
"Hmmm…I could use some tea, if you wouldn't mind?" he replied. Sebastian chuckled. Grell was being so polite. If he had to choose, serving Grell was preferred to serving any human.
"It will be my pleasure."
With that, he left the study. Grell squealed quietly after Sebastian left. He couldn't believe how lucky he'd gotten. Grell got to work on his paperwork with more energy than ever.
As Sebastian strode through the manor toward the kitchen, he was reminded of Madam Red, which, in turn, reminded him of the first time he met Grell. Sebastian had thought he was utterly hopeless, at least when it came to being a butler. With a chuckle, he turned down a hallway and entered the kitchen. Sebastian made quick work of the boiling water and looked through the different teas. He smiled when his eyes found Red Rose. Perfect. Once again, his mind was flooded with memories - this time of when he met the real Grell. Sebastian smiled slightly, although he was repulsed by Grell's flamboyancy and consent declarations of love at first, he was rather enjoying this quiet side of the Reaper.
Grell groaned and let his head flop forward onto his desk. He hated paperwork. Grell would much rather be spending time with Sebby, but he also didn't want to be demoted - or hit with Will's scythe. Grell whined to himself.
"Would you like some help, my lady?" Sebastian was at Grell's side suddenly, a hot cup of tea in his hand and a small smile gracing his lips. Grell shot up in his seat, quickly removing the piece of paper that had stuck to his forehead.
"Oh! Um…Yes, that would be much appreciated. Thank you," he replied with a blush and a smile. Sebastian suppressed a chuckle. He would never admit it out loud- he was surprised he was admitting it to himself -but Grell could be rather...cute. He placed the cup of tea down and relieved the Reaper of the papers.
Grell was surprised at how quickly they were able to finish the paperwork. It was only eleven by the time they finished.
"Wow! I can't believe it's done! Normally all that would take me until 5 in the morning. Thank you, Sebby! You're a life saver," he gushed, wriggling happily in his seat. Sebastian chuckled at the irony.
"You're welcome, Grell."
He paced the paperwork, in order, on the desk and took the empty tea cup. Grell stood and wrapped his arms around Sebastian's neck from beside him.
"I should thank you properly," he giggled. Sebastian stiffened slightly. Here it comes; the request he was dreading.
"What did you have in mind, ma'am?" His bangs kept his face hidden. Grell planted a quick kiss on Sebastian's cheek.
"There, a kiss for my hero," he said, giggling even more. Grell stood up straight and made his way over to the door. "I'll show you the rooms upstairs and you can pick whatever rooms you like."
Sebastian continued to marvel at how many surprises there had been in the short amount of time he had been in service to Grell. He had been expected to be dragged into bed. Maybe this contract wasn't going to be as predictable as the Demon thought.
"As you wish, Grell."
With a thought, the tea cup was back in the kitchen and cleaned. Grell took hold of Sebastian's hand and led him upstairs and along the halls. There were several large rooms, the nicest of course were closest to the Master bedroom.
"You can make whatever decorating changes you want to whichever room you choose, Sebastian darling," Grell said, smiling back at him. "And my room is always open to you, should you wish to visit, hehe."
Sebastian chose the one across the hall from Grell's. It was red (of course) but a darker shade than most of the others and had more black accenting the room. He told himself it was if Grell needed help, even though he knew it was a lie. He couldn't find a true explanation.
Grell yawned and blushed.
"Well, I'm heading to bed. Good night, Sebby," he said, blowing Sebastian a kiss. Grell left the room and headed to his own.
Sebastian just didn't get it! What happened to the flamboyant, overly-hyper, effeminate Reaper he was used to? He sat on the bed with a huff; he just couldn't wrap his head around this sudden - and intense - change in Grell.
Grell changed into the nightgown he'd left in the manor and climbed into bed. As much as he wanted to order Sebastian to just sleep with him, it felt almost like cheating. Grell didn't mind ordering kisses, but he didn't want Sebastian to sleep with him only because it was ordered of him…but then again he didn't know how long he could hold onto that. Grell sighed. Sebastian was too sexy to resist! But Grell didn't want Sebastian to hate him. He groaned in annoyance and placed the back of his hand over his eyes. Why did things have to be so complicated?
Sebastian walked into the kitchen and began preparing Grell's breakfast. Being a Demon, he technically didn't need sleep - even though it was a nice luxury every now and then - his brain was swimming all night. No matter how may scenarios he thought up, none seemed to fully explain Grell's transformation. Sebastian poured the tea and plated the eggs and bacon. Maybe he was over-thinking all of this; after all, the Reaper was less than predictable most of the time. He picked up the tray and walked back to the Master bedroom. Even though Grell was usually annoying and overly dramatic, Sebastian found that he kind of missed those traits.
He quietly entered the bedroom, set the tray on the vanity, and opened the heavy curtains. Sunlight flashed across the mound of red hair on the pillows.
Grell felt himself returning to the waking world as a bright light shone in front of his eyelids. He whined and rolled over, not wanting to get to work yet. Sebastian sighed and leaned down to whisper into Grell's ear.
"Wake up, my lady, it is time for work," he made sure his voice was bathed in seductive tones. Grell's eyes shot open. He blushed and slowly turned to look at Sebastian.
"Oh my…I could certainly get used to waking up like that," he laughed flirtatiously. Grell sat up and stretched. Sebastian gave a smirk and brought the breakfast try over, listing everything that was made. On the tray, next to the red rose, sat Grell's glasses, folded perfectly.
Grell plucked his glasses off the tray and put them on.
"Thank you, darling. Breakfast smells amazing," he commented. Grell took a bite and hummed in delight. "This is absolutely the best thing I've ever eaten."
Sebastian smiled and crossed an arm over his chest in a bow.
"Thank you, my lady. Will there be anything else?"
Grell pursed his lips as he pondered Sebastian's question and ate his breakfast.
"Could you bring my clothes over, please?" he requested with a small smile. Sebastian gave a nod and retrieved the clothing from the closet, draping each article over his arm. Lastly, he picked up Grell's heeled ankle boots and set them at the foot of the bed.
Grell thanked him and finished his breakfast. He got out of bed and began sliding the nightie off his shoulders when he remembered Sebastian was still in the room. Grell blushed. He didn't want Sebastian to think too badly of him.
"Please leave, I can dress myself," Grell said.
And yet, another surprise. Sebastian nodded and left, taking the tray with him. The more he was seeing this quiet side of Grell, the more like a woman he seemed to be. It was baffling, but Sebastian was actually relieved that Grell had decency.
Grell dressed quickly and left the room. He made his way over to Sebastian and twined his arms around one of Sebastian's.
"I must get going to work, Sebastian darling. I'll bring back some souls with me," Grell said. "Is there any kind in particular you like?"
Sebastian thought for a moment before smiling.
"One who has suffered. Other than that, bring whatever you feel you can get away with," he turned to lock eyes with Grell. He felt a twinge of anxiety, though he wasn't sure why.
Grell leaned up and kissed Sebastian's cheek.
"Will do! Feel free to do what you like while I'm gone," he said. Grell waved and disappeared into the Reaper Realm.
Sebastian stood in the hallway for a moment. He was so used to being ordered endless tasks by humans that he wasn't quite sure what to do. He sighed and took the dishes and tray into the kitchen to be washed. He might as well tend to the surrounding grounds and garden.
Grell arrived outside the apartments like usual. He had the papers appear in his hands and he ran towards the main building. Maybe Will would finally get off his back when he saw the completed paperwork.
Grell entered the building and hurried to Will's office. He knocked on the door as best as he could with his full arms.
"Enter," William's stiff voice answered. He was at his desk going over his own paperwork for the billionth time. Any mistakes could cost him his career. So he didn't bother looking up. Grell managed to get the door open and strode inside.
"I have all my paperwork done," he crowed, placing the papers on Will's desk. Grell placed his hands on his hips and smiled smugly. William looked up at the red Reaper and raised an eyebrow.
"You completed paperwork, Sutcliff?" He picked up the stack and skimmed through it. Grell grinned.
"Yep!" he replied cheerily. "It's all done!"
William was rather impressed, though he didn't show it. It had been completed perfectly but something seemed off. William couldn't put his finger on it, but there was something different not only about the paperwork, but also Grell in general. He seemed even more cheery and flamboyant - if such a thing was possible.
"How did you do this?"
William stood and eyed Grell. Grell frowned.
"Why does it matter how? I got it done. I thought you only cared about results," he pouted.
"I do. Although when something seems amiss, I make it a point to find out why."
William walked over to Grell, readjusting his glasses. Grell huffed and crossed his arms.
"I got my work done early and managed to finish my paperwork. It happens!" he replied, looking offended. William remained emotionless.
"No it doesn't. Maybe to the others working here, but not to you. What is going on, Sutcliff?"
Grell groaned in frustration.
"Nothing is going on! I did my paperwork, I thought you'd be jumping for joy or something, not interrogating me! Maybe I should just not do my paperwork at all ever again," he retorted.
"Do you want to be demoted again?" William threatened, pushing his glasses up again. Grell's jaw dropped.
"Why? I did my work! You can't demote me!" he snapped. William pushed a finger to his forehead and sat back down.
"Just take care of your reapings, Sutcliff."
There was no hope trying to continue the conversation. Grell threw his hands up in the air in exasperation. He left Will's office and opened up his To Die List. Luckily it was a short list today. Grell opened a portal to Earth and leapt through to get started.
Sebastian stood in the entry way of the manor, running a damp cloth over the dusty doorway. The day had been rather relaxing; he didn't need to complete his tasks at breakneck speed, he could do them at his own pace, there were no human servants to clean up after, and there were no childish lessons to put his master through. This was turning out to be a better deal than he had anticipated.
Grell opened the front door of the manor and stepped inside wearily.
"Hello, Sebby darling," he said with a smile as he approached the demon butler. Grell pulled two books from his coat and held them out. "I managed to get two souls for you."
"Welcome back, my lady." Sebastian smiled at the books, but his smile faltered as he noticed Grell's weary attitude.
"Is something troubling you, Grell?"
He relieved Grell of the two books, transporting them to his room for later. Grell shrugged.
"Just some troublesome reapings. One soul just didn't want to be reaped. And Will was being a total bastard. I gave him the completed paperwork and all he did was interrogate me and threaten to demote me!" he complained, moving over to lean his head against Sebastian. Sebastian awkwardly placed his arm around Grell. He knew Spears was an ass, but demoting Grell for turning in paperwork? That was a little too much.
"Why would he demote you for doing your job?"
Grell felt a little better having Sebastian's arm around him.
"I don't know. I asked and he told me to go and reap," he replied with a pout. Being so close to Sebastian was wonderful. Grell felt like all his problems were melting away.
Sebastian felt a little flag raise momentarily. Spears couldn't be suspecting something, he was too dim. Sebastian let the thought slip away and focused on comforting Grell. He looked down at the long red locks under his hand. A thought occurred to him, something he'd wanted to try for a while now. What would Grell's reaction be if he... Sebastian slowly slid his gloved fingers through Grell's hair.
Grell's eyes widened for only a moment before sliding shut. He hummed happily and leaned into the touch. It felt so nice! Grell couldn't remember the last time anyone had stroked his hair…if anyone ever had. He nearly purred at the gentle touch.
Sebastian chuckled slightly. Grell almost reminded him of a cat at times. He continued to slide his fingers through the red strands. He began to wonder if anyone had ever done this to Grell before, given the way he was reacting.
Grell sighed contentedly.
"That feels so nice, Sebastian," he murmured, leaning more heavily against the demon. Sebastian found himself enjoying this almost as much as Grell did. He started to run his fingers from the top of Grell's head all the way down. Even through his white gloves, Sebastian could tell Grel's hair was incredibly soft.
Grell moaned softly. He knew it was ridiculous, be he honestly wished Sebastian would never stop petting his hair. Grell snuggled against him happily. Sebastian finally pulled back gently.
"Would you like some tea, Grell?"
Grell took a moment to realize that not only had Sebastian stopped stroking his hair, but that he had asked a question. He blinked and looked up at him.
"…Yes, please. That sounds nice," Grell replied with a smile. Sebastian returned the smile and left for the kitchen. His thoughts bubbled about Grell's reaction and - more importantly - his own reaction.
Grell couldn't stop grinning as he made his way into the parlor. He settled down on the couch and sighed happily. Maybe Sebastian didn't hate him after all?
Sebastian returned shortly with a tray of tea, biscuits, and a red rose. He placed the silver tray on the table and, without thinking, kneeled and held the rose out to Grell.
"I tended the garden today; the roses needed a little care and now are in full bloom."
Grell's eyes widened and he blushed as he took the rose from Sebastian.
"Thank you very much," he said, smelling the beautiful red flower. Grell giggled a bit. "I'm glad this place is in such good hands."
Sebastian stood with a nod.
"I shall tend to the roses the most, seeing as they seem to be your favorite."
He was surprised at his own actions. Even though he wouldn't say he liked Grell, Sebastian didn't hate him either. Grell beamed.
"You're so sweet," he told Sebastian. Grell set the rose down carefully and picked up his tea. Sebastian really did make the best tea. No, Sebastian made the best everything, Grell corrected himself. Sebastian smiled.
"Do you need anything else, milady?"
Grell grinned.
"Just your company, Sebastian darling," he flirted.
"Alright then."
Sebastian sat himself down next to Grell and crossed his legs. It was nice not to be constantly working while in a contract. Grell shifted so their shoulders were touching.
"So, how was your day, Sebby?" he asked curiously as he sipped at his tea. Sebastian chuckled. "Rather relaxing, actually. It has been quite a time since I was able to work at my own pace while working."
He smiled at Grell's flirting. Grell smiled back.
"That's good. I'm glad you're not miserable," he said. Grell had worried Sebastian would be unhappy, despite getting souls out of the deal. Sebastian turned to face Grell a little more.
"Where you afraid I was going to be unhappy?" Sebastian was interested in Grell's answer to this question. Grell looked up into his eyes.
"Of course. I know you don't exactly like me," he replied with a sad smile. Sebastian felt a little guilty.
"I wouldn't say that, Grell." He slid his arm up and rested it on the back of the couch. "Although I have found you annoying in the past, I'm actually enjoying this time with you."
Grell's eyes lit up.
"Really? I'm so glad," he said with a grin as he, hesitantly, leaned against Sebastian's side. Grell remembered something and giggled. Sebastian looked down at the Reaper.
"What's so funny, Grell?"
Grell laughed lightly.
"I just remembered…That brat, Ciel, had said I could have you for day if I protected him in that horrible place with the dolls. I suppose a year or two included is just interest, since he didn't keep his promise while alive," he smirked. Sebastian looked at Grell, slightly confused.
"He promised you me?"
Even though he was amazed Grell had never brought it up before now, Sebastian wasn't at all surprised that Ciel hadn't kept the promise. Grell nodded.
"Yep. He said in return for protecting him I could do whatever I wanted with you for a day," he giggled, setting down his empty teacup. Sebastian raised his eyebrows.
"And you never reminded him of his promise? That surprises me."
Grell pouted.
"I didn't really have much time to remind him with all the reaping I had to do. Plus I had hoped he would remember," he said with a huff.
"I would have thought you would break down his door, considering you were promised me." Sebastian found himself becoming rather comfortable around Grell. It was very interesting. He gently flicked a gloved finger across Grell's puffed out cheek.
"He probably remembered but just didn't want to."
Grell looked both angry and surprised.
"That damn brat! I would kill him if he wasn't already dead," he growled. Grell managed to calm himself and realize what Sebastian had done. He blushed a bit. "Oh well. I have you for two years now. So I suppose I got the better end of it, hehe."
Sebastian was intrigued. He didn't know Grell could even get mad.
"I suppose you did."
Sebastian was still trying to process why he was enjoying this contract so much more than his others. He wasn't looking forward to a perfect soul this time so it seemed odd that he was enjoying it more. Could it be because it was with Grell?
Grell giggled again and slid his arms around Sebastian's neck.
"You know…there's one thing I've always wanted, darling," he purred, eyes becoming heavily lidded. Sebastian stiffened slightly but nodded.
"What is that, my lady?"
He wasn't even going to attempt to anticipate Grell's request. There had been too many surprises. Grell leaned a little bit closer.
"A proper kiss," he replied. Grell's eyes flicked down to Sebastian's lips before returning to his dark red eyes. Sebastian took a breath. He knew what would make Grell happy, but he wasn't sure if he was being given an order or a suggestion.
"Is that an order, ma'am?"
Grell sighed and pulled away.
"No, it's not," he said, moving off of Sebastian completely.
"I'm impressed with you, Grell," Sebastian reached forward and turned Grell's chin back. "Very impressed." His breath ghosted over Grell's lips gently before Sebastian gently placed a chaste kiss on the Reaper's lips.
Grell nearly had a heart attack. Sebastian actually kissed him!? Had he died? Was he asleep? Grell didn't know and it really didn't matter. He happily kissed back.
Sebastian pulled back after a few seconds. That was fairly enjoyable actually.
"How was that, Grell?"
Grell grinned.
"It was perfection," he sighed, feeling rather light-headed. Sebastian chuckled.
"Are you alright? You look a little woozy."
Sebastian placed his hand on Grell's shoulder. Grell giggled and shook his head.
"I'm great, though I appreciate the concern, Sebby," he replied. Then something came to him and he frowned. "You said you were "impressed"…Why? Do you think so badly of me that I would make you kiss me?"
Sebastian paused for a moment. Even though he knew this was a trick question and Grell was likely to be annoyed no matter what he answered, he had to answer truthfully.
"I was surprised you didn't order it. Along with a few other things over the past 24 hours, you have managed to surprise me quite a bit, Grell."
Sebastian almost expected a slap to his face. Grell was a little hurt.
"Oh," he said simply. Grell supposed he had brought it on himself. But he hadn't thought that a bit of overzealous flirting would make Sebastian think so poorly of him. Grell shifted awkwardly before standing.
"I…I'll see you in the morning. Good night," he said before hurrying out of the room. Sebastian stood and watched Grell leave. This had been the first time he had felt guilty for telling the truth. Perhaps he should've lied to Grell?
Grell shut the door to his room and went to sit on his bed. Only now did he realize he'd left the rose behind, but he didn't want to see Sebastian again like this. Grell wiped a tear from his cheeks in frustration. He hated crying.
