The first wave of pain catches him off guard. He's walking back to his flat, chainsaw in one hand groceries in the other when it happens. A dull throbbing ache in his chest that makes his breath catch in his throat.
He leans against the wall putting his hand to his chest and rubs it lightly frowning before shaking it off and getting his keys.
The second time it happens he's out having drinsks with Ronald. The blond having gone off to get more drinks leaving the red head at the booth alone. Tears prick his eyes this time. He takes deep breaths to stay calm trying not to tense up.
Ronald frowns as he comes back setting the drinks down. "You okay senpai?"
Grell smiles and laughs. "Of course I'm alright Ronnie," he grins and picks up his drink. "Now tell me all about this girl you're seeing."
The third time it strikes he's with Undertaker having their weekly tea time. He doubles over in pain clutching his chest whimpering. The retired shinigami goes over and picks up the red head laying him down on the bed in the next room.
"Where does it hurt dear?" He asks.
"My...my ches..chest," Grell whimpers.
Undertaker removes the red heads coat and begins to unbutton his shirt and opens it pausing. Think light black lines taint the pale skin. Almost unnoticeable but still there.
"Grell…"
Grell tenses at the tone. Its not one of anger, or annoyance. Its one of apologizes and pity.
"What?" He forces himself to relax but not meet the silver haired man's gaze.
"My dear sweet rose," Undertaker coos softly trialing a nail over a faint black line.
Grell shudders at the touch. His eyes closing at the feeling.
Undertaker doesn't say anything after that. And Grell swallows the lump in his throat. "Will you go with me?"
"Of course my dear rose, anything for you," Undertaker answers pulling the redhead into his arms letting him sob agaisnt his runs his nails through red locks soothing him until he falls asleep.
Days later find them in the hospital portion of the Shinigami dispatch. Grell in his usual attire, Undertaker close by in his own. The two are silent as they wait.
The doctor walks in. He's not smiling.
"I'm sorry Mr. Sutcliff…"
"How long?" He whispers.
The doctor sets the chart down. "It has been dormanct in your system for a few decades now, but, something has caused it to wake and it is moving rapidly. We can give you something to slow the process, but I'm afraid thats all that we can do at this time."
Grell nods mutly and gets up pulling on his coat. He's silent Undertaker walks him home. And only then. Once he's alone and inside, does he sob.