Chapter One

A mansion once inhabited by the master of the demon butler was now empty. There was no one to make sure dust was wiped away, that the floors were clean, the dishes washed. Abandoned might have been the word for it, but occasionally he would see the servants return to recall memories before leaving the manor again. They did not enter, perhaps because it was too painful, yet to that, he was pleased. It meant he could continue to stay hidden until the time was right.

And it seemed today was the right time. Hidden in the shadow casted by the manor, he watched as a familiar red haired vixen sat on one of the large trees in the untrimmed and decaying, garden, watching over the manor with a fond smile in place however something bothered him. Though he appreciated, why didn't Grell sense him at all? As a reaper, his scent should be easy to detect, but for some reason, the red head didn't and he became even more curious when I knew reaper appeared and even he didn't sense him. "Grell? What are you doing just sitting here?" that was not the reaper he was waiting for. In fact, he had never seen this reaper before.

Grell looked up to Alan, one of the few Honor Roll students to graduate the academy, leaning against the thick trunked tree, with the smile still in place. "I was taking a small break while waiting my beloveds return. No matter what they say, I know my darling will come back to me and scoop me into his arms." He patted the space beside him as he eyed a few broken windows on the manor.

Alan took the offered spot, replacing himself with this scythe as he sat beside Grell. "Beloved? Mister Spears hasn't-"

"Not Will dear." Grell said with a laugh. "I'm talking about my beloved Sebby darling."

"…Sebby? The demon that was contracted to the Phantomhive child?"

"Yes. My Sebas-chan darling." He sighed, leaning against Alan. "After that little brat died, he disappeared, but I know in my heart, he'll return to wrap his arms around me and ignite our burning passion."

Alan cocked his head as Grell laid against him. "Why are you so infatuated with this demon? I see nothing attractive about their kind."

"Because you live by the rules to a T." Grell jumped to stand on the branch, opening his arms, allowing the wind to catch in his hair and coat. "I care more for the law breaking side of life. I need excitement! I crave forbidden passion and Sebby gives that to me! Two beings separated by hate only to bypass by the rules to be together, like-"

"Romeo and Juliet?"

Grell nodded. "Exactly!" he then placed his hands on his hips to give a curious stare to the brunette. "How did you know?"

"You speak of them enough." Came Alan's reply with a roll of his eyes. "Aren't you at all worried what trouble that could cause you?"

"I told you, didn't I? I live for excitement and nothings more exhilarating then breaking a few rules."

"A few important rules." He looked up at Grell. "Don't you think about what would happen if you were caught with the demon, if your fantasy ever happened?"

"No."

"Death is a punishment they'd-"

"Darling, let's stop this right now. I don't wish to hear it." He sat back down, taking a deep breath. "On a different note, I do wish you and Eric could have met him."

"Why's that?"

"You wouldn't need to take my word at how attractive he is! Believe me, he's something to admire with those ruby eyes, they're enough to make my heart burst!" he cried hugging himself.

"…mm, hm, well, I'm not one to find demons attractive and I'm glad we've never crossed paths. I'd rather not converse with his kind and I think I speak for everyone when I say, I have no idea why you're infatuated with the demon, even if it's as exciting as you say."

"He's forbidden fruit!" he licked his lips, a pleasant shiver running through him. "A fruit I would love to bite into and suck the juice from."

Alan shivered at that, a wince at the mental image that worked its way into his mind. "I did not need that."

"I was saying what is true. He's my soul mate, perfect for me in every way."

"You do realize you say the same things about senpai as well."

Grell thought a moment. "Will and I have different…chemistry. He's more…closed off to love."

"Pardon?"

"He knows I love him but he just needs time and encouragement to get those feelings out."

Alan stared at him. "Well, I see why Mister Spears hasn't opened up to you yet. You're…ah, overpowering."

"I'm not!" he shoved his nose in the hair with a, "hmph".

"I'd say you are and I'm sure senpai would agree with me."

Grell stood again, pulling Alan up as well. "Darling, if you can love, Will can and one day, he'll admit those feelings for me. He just needs to be pushed more into that direction. Right now, all the love Will has is work."

"Then shouldn't you let senpai be happy?"

"Happy? He's lonely darling. He needs a woman in his life to give him the attention he needs." He placed his hand over Alan's heart, his other gesturing to the mansion. "This home is like Will. He's broken, just left to crumble. All he needs is someone to enter those walls and give him the attention he needs. Give him the love he deserves." He wrapped both arms around Alan. "Wouldn't you agree? Wouldn't you want that?"

"I…suppose, but I'm more focused on my work right now then relationships. I leave all of that to Ronald who seems to have the opposite mindset in place." He untangled himself from Grell before returning to sit.

"Ooh, you're just like Will."

Alan winced at the comment. "No offense to senpai, but I dread being anything like him."

Grell returned to his spot beside Alan, asking, "you dread being handsome?"

"No. I dread being so cold. I mean, yes. It's our job to be cold and heartless to the dead but…he far surpasses cold sometimes." He admired his scythe as he spoke before taking it into his hands, running his gloved fingers over the sharp blade. "I have feelings for the innocent that were murdered or killed by accident. Some dying before they even reach adulthood, some not even able to reach their first birthday…"

Grell could see a frown forming, Alan's eyes dulling. "Darling, there's no need in getting depressed now."

Alan blinked then shook his head. "Right, sorry. I get too lost in thought sometimes."

"I'd say."

With a sigh, Alan pushed himself from the branch, landing to face Grell. "Well, come on then. We have work to do and if Mister Spears comes around to find us taking an unscheduled break it's-"

"Overtime?"

As Alan turned around to give his explanation, Grell flew from the branch, nearly strangling the supervisor with his embrace, batting his eyes at the man. "Will sweetie. You won't give this beautiful young lady overtime for resting her tired feet, would you?"

"Yes. I would." With that, he yanked on Grell's hair, pulling the red head from him, causing Grell to stumble and fall to the ground.

"How rude!" Grell called.

William ignored him, now focused on Alan. "Humphries. I didn't expect you, of all people, to stop for chitchat."

"I deeply apologize sir. I had simply stopped to see why Grell was so focused on this old manor."

William turned around, admiring how much neglect the manor had been through in three years. "The place that housed Earl Ciel Phantomhive and his blasted demon butler, Sebastian Michealis."

"And four servants!" Grell added.

"Yes, them as well."

Alan had always heard about them from William and Grell. "Was Mister Phantomhive well liked?"

"By his family, perhaps. By his acquaintances, maybe. By us reapers? I'd have to say no. I don't remember liking the child too much. Either because of his arrogance or he was one of the lowest mortals to make a deal with a demon."

Alan shifted. "You don't know his past, yes? Perhaps he had a good reason for doing it."

William sent a glare to Alan, a shiver of fear running down Alan's spine. "Would you make a deal with a demon at any point in your life?"

"No, but I never went through anything too horrible alive. Perhaps Ciel was different."

"Mister Humphries, I'd better hope you do not ever make a contract with a demon."

Grell rolled his eyes. "Let it go Will. Alan was just being Alan. He means no harm."

William kept the glare on Alan a minute more before flicking his eyes back to the manor. "Off with you both then. Souls can't be kept out in the open like this for as long as they have been."

Alan was gone once the order was given, Grell however stayed. He was amazed at how the evening sun behind William gave him a heavenly aurora, the features Grell adored about the man even more prominent. "You look like a God from down here."

William's eye twitched. "Go, Grell. Do not make me repeat myself."

"Must I?"

"Now, Sutcliffe!"

"Mm, such power in that voice."

"Sutcliffe." William growled his warning.

With a sigh, Grell stood, brushing off his clothes. "Oh, I'm going, I'm going." He blew William a kiss then bounded off, chasing the brunette that wasn't too far ahead.

Now that Grell was gone, William was able to address the presence that bothered him the moment he arrived. "It seems my reapers senses have dulled. Come out now, demon." With that, a very familiar form stepped from the shadows. How familiar the outfit was, but the face was different. The arrogance normally placed upon the demons features had changed to almost fatigue. "My, my. Don't we look tired today?"

Sebastian's scowl was nice to see instead of that smile the butler had. "I am not tired, Spears."

"Perhaps you are ageing then?"

"Nor am I ageing."

"Then what word shall I use to define that look upon your face?"

"Agitation."

"Then what has you so agitated, Mister Michealis? I was under the impression the powerful demon butler could do anything with a simple snap of his fingers."

Sebastian's scowl slowly upturned into that smile. "My agitation comes from the fact that I have been starving for longer then I should be."

"How so? Is your new master that much of a burden?"

"I do not have a new master. In fact, I am forever bound to Ciel Phantomhive."

William blinked before an uncharacteristic smile of William's own appeared, but this one was out of a sadistic nature. "My. That makes me, well, happy to hear. You're suffering, aren't you?"

"I had a feeling that would make you pleased."

"It has. In fact, I think you've just made my night. Now tell me another thing. Why have you come back?"

Sebastian did not answer right away. In fact, he walked over to the tree were Alan and Grell had sat. "May I ask who was the reaper with Grell? I heard his name was Alan, but I've never met such a reaper before."

William's smile fell at his question being ignored. "He and Slingby have never had the pleasure of meeting you but only hearing of you from Sutcliffe, Knox and myself."

Sebastian cocked an eyebrow. "You speak of me?"

"Illy of you, yes."

"Ah, I should have guessed."

"Yes, now why have you returned? I won't ask a third time."

Sebastian gave a sigh, watching the sun continue to give away to night. "I haven't returned, exactly, but I've come to visit someone."

"Who might this someone be?" Sebastian's eyes met his and they stared at one another for quite some time. "…me? You came to visit me? Oh, what for? I have no time for your antics."

"Now, now. All I ask of you-"

"You want my help with something?"

"Yes."

"…and that is?"

Sebastian cracked his fingers. "Well, before I ask my question, allow to explain how I ended up in an eternal contract. Another demon, Hannah Anafeloz, took my young master and made him into a demon meaning what soul he did have, no longer exists, meaning I have nothing to take, forcing me to serve him for eternity."

"How sad. I feel tears coming to my eyes just thinking about it." His voiced dripped with sarcasm.

"I figured that'd be your reaction. Anyhow, now that you know, would you be willing to help free me?"

"No."

Sebastian knew William was going to be like this, but he didn't have a choice. William was the only reaper he had, so he decided to be blunt. "You know," He began to pace back and forth, William's eyes never leaving him, the grip on his scythe tightening, prepared for an attack, "a certain…artifact has been brought to my attention lately. An item that resides in the realm of Reapers." His eyes caught William's. "An item that is more powerful than anything one could think of. Do you know the artifact I speak of?"

"Not at all."

"No? It resides in your realm as I have said. Perhaps, is Mister Spears telling a lie?"

"I am not. I have not heard of the artifact you speak of. Plain and simple." He turned his back to Sebastian. "I'm glad you stop by to visit me but we've had our chat thus there is nothing left to say. Good evening, Michealis." William left the demon behind to return to the Reaper realm, a throb beginning in his temple. He didn't need this. Not now. Not when she was due to arrive in a few days.

"Sir?"

William turned to the blonde that always seemed to have that cheerful air around him. Perhaps it was because of that sickly sweet smile or the look in his eyes. Either way, William never understood how someone could deal in death but always smile. "Yes?"

"I finished all paperwork from yesterday. All of it's on your desk waitin' to be filed."

"Good. Then you have overtime tonight to finish the work you didn't do today."

"Alright sir."

"Then dismissed."

Ronald saluted then walked back where he previously sat with Eric, Alan and Grell. "Well, sorry Eric. Can't go out tonight."

Eric rolled his eyes, hands working into Alan's shoulders. "Knoxy, I gotta say. Get yer shit together. Whatever happened ta bein' part of the no overtime club?"

"I'm still the chairman of that, but I've just been busy lately." He answered, taking his spot beside Grell.

"Busy with work or women?" Grell asked, finishing the polish on his nails.

"...women, maybe."

Alan eyed him from across the table. "Woman. I've only seen you with one woman lately."

Ronald smirked, folding his arms behind his head. "Ya have huh? Well, yep. Had my eye on her for a while now. Just, wasn't sure what approach to take."

"Which did ya chose?" Eric asked shifting one hand to use his palm in the center of Alan's back.

"The normal charmer. Some like the Bad Boy Knox, but I think she'll appreciate the Charmer Knox."

"Question is, is this going to be a keeper? Or are you going to date her for a while until someone else comes along?" Alan asked, nearly falling asleep with the massage Eric was giving him.

Ronald shrugged. "For once, I kinda want this one to last, but at the same time, I dunno how well I can do in a long lastin' relationship, but for her, I'll try." He smiled then watched Alan slowly lean forward as he had been throughout the conversation until his head was in his arms on the tabletop. "Damn Eric. When's my turn?"

"Oh, I want a turn!" Grell chirped.

Eric blinked. "Ah, I ain't a masseuse."

"Then why are you massaging me?" came Alan's muffled question.

"Ya looked tense."

"I'm tense." Grell said.

Eric snorted. "How much ya willin' ta pay?"

Ronald crossed his arms. "I was hopin' I'd get the discount Al's gettin'."

"Well, I'll see how me fingers feel when I'm done workin' out these knots. I mean, damn Al! Why so tense?"

Alan sighed, turning his head to the side. "I normally am. I can't give you an exact reason why. I just am." He closed his eyes again. "But I do thank you Eric."

"Ah, yer welcome lad."

Ronald laughed. "Well, seein' how I got overtime tonight, I'd better get started on that work." He gave a wave then left.

With a yawn and stretch, William returned to his office, coffee in hand. It might have been midnight, but his job never ended it seemed. If it did, he'd spend all his time with a good book, resting in a warm tub, or sleeping which is where he wanted to be right now, but of course, work came first.

He placed his hand on the knob to open the door only to be yanked back, an arm around his neck, another hand forcing his arms to his side, making the cup fall and shatter. "Perhaps it is you who have dulled senses."

William scowled. "How the hell did you get into our realm, demon?"

"I had a little friend help me."

"Who is this little-?"

Sebastian tightened his grip around William's throat. "It's not nice to tattle." He lessened his grip slightly. "Now, you should know why I'm here and should see I will not take no for answer."

"I have no idea what you want! Even if I did, I-"

"Mister Spears. Don't play daft with me. I know very well that you know what I speak of. Now you will tell me, do you know of the artifact?"

William winced, the grip tightening once again. He didn't want to give in, but form the looks of things, he didn't have a choice. He was at a disadvantage either way he looked at it. Even if he summoned his scythe, there wasn't a chance he could use it with the firm grip on his arms. "F-Fine." He gasped. "I k-know of the artifact."

"Good. Then I need you to do me a favor and retrieve it for me."

"I-I can't do that! It's u-under C-Council-"

"Then I suggest you find a way to retrieve it." His arm left William's neck to replace his other arm around William's. His free hand traveled to William's left and removed the glove, the reaper repulsed at the demons skin sliding along his. "And I will make sure you do." He dug his nails into William's palm, satisfied at the sudden yelp that slipped from William's lips. He was enjoying seeing a mortal enemy in pain, but for William, enjoyment was on the other end of the world. A searing pain entered his hand and traveled up his arm. It felt as if his veins were on fire, his hand was throbbing and blood tickled from the corner of his mouth at biting his tongue too hard and so suddenly. "You and I will both suffer with this contract in place. Do not think I will be getting out of this free of consequence."

William's eyes traveled to the hand Sebastian had dug his now claw like nails into. There, he could see the insignia of Sebastian contract mark burning into his flesh. "Y-You b-bastard!"

Sebastian sighed. "It's almost done."

And demons never tell lies. After a second more, the insignia was finished and Sebastian let William go, allowing the pained man to fall to his knees, holding his hand. "H-How did you do this? I thought you were already in a contract?"

"It's a one-time deal a demon can make." He knelt beside William, taking his marked hand. "We are able to create contracts with those who wish too, but we are also able to force a contact onto someone else when we are…desperate."
"You were this desperate?" he pointed to his hand. "You marked me to get a damn book?"
"Yes, however I am not free of consequence from this either."
"I can order you around?"
"No. I will be looked down upon by other demons and will not be able to use all my strength to keep up with one contract."
"That's…that's…nothing! I could be killed for this! The consequences you have are nothing compared to mine."

Sebastian smiled, running fingers through William's hair. "Then you'd better get the book fast."

"I can't! It's…it's under the Council's-"

"Yes, yes, I know it's under your Council's watch, but to my knowledge, a representative is coming soon, correct?"

"How did you-?"

"My little friend. Now, it would be terrible if they saw this on you, wouldn't it?"

"…I despise you demon."

"I hate you just as much, reaper." He stood. "Now, you must retrieve the book for me."

"Can't I just ignore this? It's not like you have control over me."

"Mm, true, true, but you can't hide the mark forever and, it would be a shame if the representative left with knowledge of a demon being able to enter your realm. To my familiarity, that wouldn't go over to well with the Council, would it?"

"You wouldn't dare, demon."

"I'm here now, aren't I? What would stop me for waltzing in while they're around?"

William grit his teeth. "…f-fine! You have a d…a d…d…deal! You have a deal! I'll get you that damned book."

"Good." He knelt on the opposite of William with a cloth to wipe up the spilled coffee then placed the broken pieces in the cloth before placing the cloth in his pocket. "I apologize for the mess I caused." With a bow, he walked off into the darkness, disappearing from William's view.