Alex has gone to see off the d'Argents however she doesn't expect the compliments she receives. Once they have left it occurs to her the bar she has set for herself. Grell decides to take the opportunity to get her to relax.

Ronald stumbles out of the room, however it's apparent he doesn't realize what he looks like. He's got a massive hangover, however he goes looking for William. The pair have breakfast, however William has a few plans for the day. The Undertaker talks to Lucifer and decides it's time the pair left the room and took a walk.

What's wrong with Ronald?

What does William have planned?

What happened in the past between Lucifer and Sebastian?

What does the Undertaker know about it?

I hope you enjoy,

~Kuro

Chapter 65: Love is Blind

Alex stood outside in a sweater and watched as Lucius and his son pulled away. Despite the number of incidents during the evening which had destroyed their party in a number of ways. They were still very pleased with the very out come of the project, in fact they were willing to sign Artistry as an exclusive contract, which made Alex a little nervous. She stood there for a moment Lucius' words were ringing in her ears, "I'm expecting wonderful things from you." The pressure was truly on, it hadn't occurred to her that for the past few months she had created such a reputation for herself that it might be a little too much to fulfill. "Having second thoughts?" a high pitch voice cooed. She slowly looked over her shoulder to see the redhead shinigami standing behind her. "Perhaps," she replied coolly. Grell was about to say something when he watched her wrap her arms tighter around herself. She had blue circles under her eyes and he noticed her hair was still a mess. "When did you last get some sleep?" asked Grell curiously. Alex sighed and shook her head, "I can't remember, I slept for three days," she muttered, there was a hint of irritation in her voice. Grell grabbed her arm and dragged her inside, "You look like a panda, besides you were healing during that time, so naturally you slept," he commented. Alex looked at the back of the shinigami and asked, "What the hell are you doing?" Grell pursed his lips and commented, "Getting you something to eat, you look paler than the demons do." Alex glared, "This coming from the shinigami who cakes on makeup," she retorted. Grell smiled and looked over his shoulder at her. Somehow hearing her say something so snide put his mind at ease. "Well clearly you forgot yours dear, because you could pass off as a very sleepy and grumpy panda," said Grell with a note of joy.

Ronald stepped out of his room and stretched, William was in the dining hall eating breakfast. He looked at Grell and noticed how the pair was fighting, "Isn't it a bit early in the morning for a cat fight?" he asked groggily. His eyes were barely open and he yawned loudly, "I mean honestly, let's get some food and allow me to have a cup of coffee first. My head is killing me," he commented as he scratched the back of his head. Alex stared at him and giggled, "What?" the blond asked in confusion and Grell was several shades red. It was apparent he was trying to hide his laughter. "What?" asked Ronald again. Alex shook her head and commented, "A bit hung over aren't you." Ronald sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, "You can't blame me, I honestly can't remember what happened last night," he said slowly. Ronald sighed and rubbed his eyes, "The sun's too bright," he groaned as he wobbled down the hallway. Alex looked at Grell and asked, "He hasn't looked in the mirror yet has he?" Grell shook his head, his red hair swayed as he did so and he said, "Probably not." She watched Ronald make his way down the hall, he walked like Sebastian did when Claude was rough. "Should we tell him?" she asked and Grell giggled. "Nah, this is more fun," he commented as he practically skipped down the hallway. "For once I didn't do a thing wrong," he sang and Alex shook her head. This must have been the reason why William was always so irritated with this shinigami.

Ronald slowly entered the room and noticed a dark haired and rather broad-chested gentleman sitting by the window. He had a white tea cup in one hand and a news paper in the other. He looked relaxed and well rested which made Ronald smile with delight. He walked behind William and slowly wrapped his arms around his neck. Ronald pressed a soft kiss to William's neck, "Good morning," he purred. William's eyes shot up from the paper and he chuckled, "Good morning Mr. Knox," he replied as he placed the cup on the table and then dropped the paper. The elder shinigami slowly tipped his head back and smiled. Ronald was beaming and he looked beautiful, "You seem refreshed," he commented as he reached up and slowly ran his fingers through Ronald's hair. "It was nice to get some sleep," he said, "but my head is pounding." William frowned and looked at the window, the sun was blasting through. "I'm sorry," he said quickly as he slowly removed Ronald's arms and rose. Ronald looked at him in confusion and William commented, "I was inconsiderate, it's too bright out here for someone with a hangover." Ronald's hand shot out as William took a step forward. His fingers grasped the back of William's black shirt and he tugged. "No it's fine here, I already took some meds," he said softly. William always put his desires on hold, excluding when he ravaged him in bed. William sighed and slowly slipped his hands on the sides of Ronald's face, "Are you sure?" he asked sweetly. Ronald loved it when William's eyebrows lifted like they did and his eyes were filled with affection. A smile swept across Ronald's lips and he nodded, "Yeah it's beautiful here," he replied. William beamed with delight as he turned and pulled out a chair for Ronald. The blonde didn't say a word, he simply took a seat and smiled.

In moments William was sitting across from him and he smiled as the waiter came over. "What would you like?" the young woman asked, she smiled at the sight of Ronald and looked at William. Ronald was preoccupied with looking through the menu and she pointed at him. William shook his head and smiled, she giggled and Ronald said, "Pancakes sound great." She nodded and asked, "How many?" Ronald paused and replied, "Short stack." She grinned and nodded as she scratched his order down on the pad. "Anything else?" she asked and glanced at William who shook his head. "Coffee," Ronald said brightly. She chuckled and nodded, "Okay then." In moments she had disappeared and Ronald looked at William. His eyes hadn't left him, "What's wrong?" asked Ronald. William was grinning and he leaned back, "Nothing."

The top two buttons of William's shirt were open and he suddenly blushed. He could see William's collar bone, he loved running his tongue over it. William had wandered around like this before, however oddly enough today it was much more affective than usual. Ronald admired William's confidence and organization, even if it was annoying from time to time. "So what are we doing today?" Ronald asked, his eyes were locked on William's collar bone. William hummed, "I was hoping to beat you in pool," said William playfully. Ronald looked up at William and smiled with confidence, if there was anything Ronald knew better than cocktails was pool. He used to play for cash at a number of bars and was confident that he would be able to beat William. "Oh?" asked Ronald and he smiled mischievously, "What are the stakes?" He watched as William's eyes darkened and he commented, "Do you really want to know?" Ronald noticed William had that look again and he trembled in anticipation, it sent tingles down his spine and he nodded. The waitress returned with his food and poured him a cup of coffee, "Can I get you anything else?" she asked. Ronald shook his head and William looked at her. "Is it possible to reserve a billiard's room for privet use?" he asked. The waitress paused and thought about it for a moment, "It's an unusual request, but I'm sure you can if you ask the concierge," she replied brightly. William nodded and watched as Ronald dug into the short stack. "Thank you," he replied. She nodded and trotted off, he grinned as he slowly took a sip of black coffee. He was certainly going to enjoy his afternoon.

Claude had fallen back asleep and the Undertaker asked, "Why don't we take a walk? I'm sure your stiff from sleeping in that chair." Lucifer's eyes slowly opened, and he looked at the silver haired shinigami. He hummed as he yawned and pushed himself out of the chair. "Sure," he murmured as he slowly stretched his back. He had grown accustomed to sleeping in chairs; however the one in his study seemed much more comfortable. He looked at the state of his clothing and groaned, he hated looking sloppy and he sighed. "I can't walk around in my robe can I?" he commented as he walked over to the mirror. He looked at his reflection and asked, "What does my son usually wear?" There was a sudden knock on the door and the Undertaker replied, "Enter." The door opened and the triplets slowly walked in. Lucifer stared as he watched the triplets place several boxes on the table, "What are these?" he asked cautiously. Canterbury held out a note to Lucifer and he slowly looked at it. "I hope I got your sizes correct, your robe will stand out here at the resort. I hope you don't mind the clothes," said the Undertaker. His eyes looked over at the triplets, "Alex," he said softly, a smile was on his lips and he looked at Lucifer. "Apparently these are all from the graphic designer," said the Undertaker, his eyes floated over to the boxes. Lucifer watched as the tall gray haired shinigami made his way over and slowly opened each of them. "Brand names, high end," he commented softly. Lucifer sighed and slowly pulled the articles from the box, he looked at the smart looking vest and cranberry shirt. He sighed and slowly walked into the bathroom. The Undertaker was silent as he listened to the fabric slip over the man's skin. He smiled and sighed as he waited for the demon. He had always seen the slender demon in long flowing robes, his onyx hair tied back and his eyes a blaze. This was perhaps the first time he was going to see this creature in human attire.

The bathroom door slowly opened and Lucifer asked sheepishly, "What do you think?" It was obvious that he was nervous; he had never been dressed in human clothing before. The jeans which Alex had selected settled at his hips, they were snug and he could admire his slender hips, however they didn't overly feminine. The vest was perfect, Lucifer's slender but powerful body was tucked inside it and the red shirt seemed to make him look even more charming. "I really should ask her to select my clothes," commented the Undertaker as he handed Lucifer a pair of brown oxfords. He slowly took a seat and slipped into the shoes, "She does have great taste," he commented as he took a look in the mirror. Lucifer slowly walked out of the room and looked at the Undertaker, "You never ask me to walk with you, unless something is on your mind," said Lucifer as he walked out of the bedroom and slowly through the massive living room. The Undertaker hummed and he responded, "I've been thinking about the past." Lucifer gave him a sidewise glance and said sternly, "That's not something you should do." The Undertaker sighed, it was clear Lucifer wasn't going to reminisce about how he had nearly destroyed everything. "Luce it's not like it didn't happen; their lives are a reflection of this. The girl who they have been protecting is paying for what had happened," the Undertaker said darkly. His green and yellow eyes narrowed as he looked at the slender demon, "That was a long time ago, I did what was expected of me," he responded.

"What you did was beyond what any other demon lord would have done," hissed the Undertaker. The corners of Lucifer's lips quirked up, "Yes which is why I am king," he said slowly. The Undertaker closed his eyes; he could still feel the heat of the fire on his skin and hear the screams tear through the air of that night. "Seiki set fire to your palace and then you had the guts to make a contract with Nicholas," spat the Undertaker. His tone was even colder and Lucifer stopped abruptly. His eyes narrowed and he grit his teeth, "I didn't know it would get that far out of control," he hissed. The Undertaker was about to berate the demon however he fell silent, Lucifer wasn't angry but disgusted. His eyes fell and he dropped his hands which were gripping the Undertaker's black shirt. "I will never forget the night my son left," he whispered softly. Lucifer slowly turned to walk away only for the Undertaker to follow. He had seen this once before, the Undertaker closed his eyes again; the bright orange flames were engrained in his memory. He could remember everything and more as Lucifer's family came unraveled at the seams.

Lucifer's office was dimly lit by the fire which blazed in the fire place; it was a soothing glow which seemed to relax the demon. The Undertaker was sitting and watched as the demon leaned against the mantel, "Well then, the terms which are there are quite clear, and I have violated none of the agreed laws," said Lucifer. A glass of brandy sparkled in his hand and he slowly took a sip. The Undertaker looked down at the parchment in hand, the words were writing in black ink and he nodded. "Even so the shinigami do not feel comfortable with the current treaty," said the Undertaker slowly. In all honesty he trusted Lucifer to keep to his word it was the other demon lords he didn't trust. Lucifer ran his hand through his hair and looked at him, he was clearly exasperated. "I'm aware that you don't trust demons, I have done the best I can to force them to sign the new code. However you know as well as I, that I am one lord. I am not king," he said slowly, he pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. His eyes were closed and he looked as though he were wound so tightly that he would snap soon. The Undertaker placed the documents to the side and watched the demon. Lucifer was one of the few demons he had ever come in contact with, however he was shocked by how much he had in common with him. "I'm grateful that you're even allowing me to have an audience with me," said the Undertaker and Lucifer simply looked at the floor. They had been debating and reasoning laws for hours and it was now taking its toll. "I trust you more than any other demon," said the Undertaker. Lucifer looked up at him and smiled a little, "I'm aware," he replied smoothly. His red eyes looked tired and he slowly pushed himself away from the mantle.

"Alright, we need to think about what we are going to do to limit the contracts between demons and humans. I agree that it is inappropriate to take souls and simply lock them away for the sake of collecting. It's a waste of resources," he commented as he strode back toward his desk. He slowly pulled his quill and looked over the pages. The Undertaker nodded in agreement and was about to say something when the doors of Lucifer's office flew open. The demon's eyes shot up and he looked at a slender demon wearing a beautiful long black gown. "I'm busy, I told you I would be all day," he commented, his eyes never left her. She crossed her arms and commented, "Darling, did you really think I would be here if it wasn't important?" she asked softly. Lucifer sighed and dropped his documents on the desk, "What?" he asked sharply. She smiled and commented, "What if I told you one of the butlers was sleeping with a maid." The Undertaker looked at her and noticed this wasn't the only thing she wanted to say. "I don't have time for this," he commented and looked back down at his papers. "Find someone else to gossip with I have no interest," he commented. A smile curled her lips and she continued, "What if that demon also desired to sleep with your son?" Lucifer's hands stilled and he dropped the quill which had been between his fingers. His red eyes narrowed dangerously and he asked, "Who?" It was clearly a demand, and she smiled sweetly, "Claude Faustus," she responded slowly. She was sure to enunciate every syllable. Lucifer looked at her and then turned to the Undertaker, "Leave, this is a family issue," he barked. The Undertaker slowly rose and stared at the maid who entered the room, he recognized her from the hallway. "This is Lucie the demon Claude has been sleeping with," said Lucifer's wife. The Undertaker was quick to vacate the room and walked down the hall in search of the demon lord's son. There was no way someone like him would fall for this, after all Seiki had just attempted to rape him. His footsteps echoed through the marble hallway, he could hear the sound of a violin. It was a beautiful and peaceful sound; he had never heard something so sweet before. He stopped in front of the door to see the slender form of the young demon, which had been pushed to the ground not so long ago. His position was perfect and he drew the bow with grace, the Undertaker smiled as he listened to the notes hum in the air.

He slowly opened the door and stepped inside. Sebastian's fingers danced up the neck of the instrument with precision and ease. It looked as though he were in love with the instrument; the Undertaker slowly looked over to see Claude gazing at him. His hands were in the vase which was filled with the same white roses Sebastian had been tending to. The Undertaker watched as Claude closed his eyes and continued to adjust the roses in the vase. The piece came to an end and the Undertaker began to applaud the young demon. Sebastian jumped and looked in the door way, "Oh, you're the shinigami from the Shinigami Dispatch," said Sebastian as he lowered his instrument. He was sweet and in an instant the Undertaker could understand why Lucifer desired to protect him. Such sweetness, kindness in a demon was unheard of. "You're excellent," said the Undertaker. Sebastian nodded and smiled, "Thank you," he replied with genuine sincerity. He was about to say more when he noticed the butler march into the room. "Pardon me, young master," said Vincent as he bowed, "I need to speak with Claude." Sebastian looked over at Claude in confusion and the golden eyed demon seemed just as confused. "Certainly," said Sebastian slowly and Claude bowed before leaving the room. Sebastian's eyes were locked on Claude's back as he left and the Undertaker noticed the irritation on the young demon's face. "You wouldn't happen to know why Vincent was sent to retrieve my butler, would you?" asked Sebastian darkly.

In that instant it was as though the Undertaker was speaking with a younger Lucifer. "I might," the Undertaker responded cautiously. Sebastian's eyes narrowed and he asked, "Does it have to do with her?"

"Perhaps we should get something to eat," said Lucifer and the Undertaker jumped to attention. "Sure, however I'm not sure how much human food will appeal to you," he commented. Lucifer chuckled and commented, "Well I've already been dressed in human attire, why not adventure into the unknown world of human cuisine as well." The Undertaker smiled and nodded.

Ronald opened the doors to the billiards room and William followed. "Okay then, what are we playing?" he asked brightly. Ronald was grinning and William had a feeling this particular blonde was going to give him a run for his prize. "Pool," he said as he picked up a cue and chalk. Ronald nodded and teased, "Let's have some fun." William nodded and gestured to the table, "You break," he commented. Ronald nodded as he positioned himself in front of the cue ball and tucked the cue stick between his fingers. His eyes gazed down the cue and he looked as though her were about to pounce the triangle at any point in time. Ronald grinned as he broke the set and watched the balls zip across the table. He straightened up and leaned on the cue as he smiled, one of them teetered on the lip of the pocket and slowly fell in. He sauntered toward the cue and slowly took his stance; his body was stretched across the table as he slowly took his shot. William tilted his head to the side and smiled with delight as he watched the cue ball zip across the table and sink a solid. "Stripes," said William as he watched Ronald walk to the next spot his ass was in the air and William shook his head. Ronald gave the ball a quick tap and groaned as the ball skirted wide of the pocket. "You're turn," he said with a grin. William smiled crookedly and slowly took aim. His powerful body sprawled over the table as he drew the cue back and took his shot. His eyes narrowed and his hair fell in his eyes. The cue flew across the table and hit a striped ball which in turn kissed two others. Ronald's jaw dropped as he watched them fly. The blue and white 10 ball fell into the top left corner, the purple and white 12 fell quickly into the lower left pocket, and the red and white 11 ball hugged the cushion as it rolled backward into the upper right hand pocket. William smiled, "You're not the only one who can play," he commented playfully. Ronald stared as he watched William take his position in front of him, the blonde's eyes fell on William's shaped bottom and he bit his lower lip. He watched as the green and white 14 ball fell short of the pocket. William groaned as he rose and relinquished the table to Ronald.

Ronald smiled and said, "Two can play at this." William purred with delight as he watched Ronald take his stance, the blonde's beautiful bottom perked in the air as he leaned across the table. "So the stakes?" asked William after Ronald managed to sink both the yellow 1 ball fallowed by the red 3 ball. "What about them?" asked Ronald casually as he circled the table, he slowly set up as though he was taking a shot and they decided not to, as he did so William got a delectable view of the slender blonde. "I have decided what mine is," he answered. Ronald nodded and gave the cue ball a light tap, which sent the orange 5 ball into the top center pocket. William smiled as he watched Ronald get into stance and he continued, "I'll strip you and fuck you on the pool table." Ronald's eyes widened, he fumbled as he struck the cue ball and watched as it didn't make contact with any of the others on the field. "Foul," said William with a hint of triumph, "I just thought you'd like to know." He brushed his arm against Ronald's ass as he walked by, he was grinning with delight as he slowly took aim. Ronald watched as William sank burgundy and white 15 ball, it slipped into the pocket without any hesitation. Ronald smiled with delight as William lined up his next shot; he was going to attempt putting the yellow and white 9 ball in the bottom center pocket. "Oh and I was going to let you tie me up and fuck me in the bedroom," said Ronald. William was grinning as he sank the yellow and white 9 ball and he looked at Ronald, "Really?" he asked with a hint of delight. Ronald nodded and William shook his head, "I like my idea better," he sang as he slowly aimed for the green and white 14 ball.

Ronald began to sweat, William was putting them away and he hadn't even sunk half of his yet. His distraction didn't even work as planned, in fact it seemed to make William even more driven to win. Ronald pursed his lips and smiled as he stretched and pulled his sweater off, he was wearing a tee shirt underneath and a pair of blue jeans. They hugged his hips as he moved and he walked over to the other side of the table. William was lining up another shot for the center bottom pocket only for Ronald to be standing across from him. William looked up to see Ronald's groin, his eyes slowly glided up to see William running his fingers through his hair and licking his lower lip. William silently cursed as he felt heat pool in his groin. He harshly tapped the cue ball which pushed the orange and white ball into the pocket and then followed suite. William silently cursed as Ronald fished the cue ball out of the pocket and grinned. "That was foul play," said William. Ronald chuckled as he placed the ball on the able and looked at William. "Oh and your comment wasn't?" he asked as he leaned over the table and with a quick snap sent the orange solid into the lower left hand pocket. In moments he was lining up another shot. William's eyes narrowed as he watched Ronald sink three more balls, "So this is what you showed them before," commented William. Ronald shrugged and commented, "I'm good at a ton of games, pool just happens to be one of them." William watched Ronald stretch over the table, his hips were beautiful in and he quickly sent another ball into the pocket across the table. "Where did you learn?" asked William curiously. Ronald put his knee on the table to give himself more leverage and he replied, "Bars, I had to pay for booze somehow," he commented as he sent the green ball flying. It zipped across the green felt and tapped the blue ball in as it sank into the same pocket.

William smiled and nodded, it was apparent Ronald was good, "What about you?" asked Ronald. He looked up through his eyelashes and William swallowed, seeing him stretched out over the table with his eyes looked up at him was far too much for him. "Work," he commented as he watched Ronald tap the cue, it spun backward after it kissed the solid red ball into the lower center pocket. He smiled and looked at the black eight ball. "If I sink this it's the bedroom and hand cuffs," sang Ronald as he lined up the shot. William hummed and smiled as he watched Ronald tap the cue ball and it make contact with the eight ball.