This Immortal Coil

Disclaimer: All recognizable characters are the property of Yana Toboso and Square Enix, Co. Ltd. I don't own them; I just examine all their possibilities.

Epilogue: Everything in proper order

28 April, 1890

Reaper Dispatch Offices - London

8 a.m.

Ronald walked through the doors into the main office. It was a typical start to the Monday morning; reapers were sitting at their desks filling out their beginning of the week paperwork or shuffling around the room. It was time for a happy disruption.

"Ladies and gentlemen, your attention please," he shouted across the room, hands cupped over his mouth and a little charm enhancing the volume of his voice.

Eyes suddenly fixed on him in surprise and conversations ceased, though a few took an extra second before going on him.

"Returning to the offices of the Reaper Dispatch Association after a forty-five day absence," Ron announced. "Please welcome back, Mr. Grell Sutcliff!"

Ronald stepped aside and grandly extended his hand toward the door. Grell walked into the office to cheers and applause. Some reapers got up from their desks to do a standing ovation. Grell bowed grandly, the actress was making her grand comeback. He looked to the side and even saw William outside his office giving a polite clap for a moment before dropping his hands and charging toward him, a lovely cross expression on his face.

"Yes, welcome back Mr. Sutcliff," William said dourly. "Now return to your cubicle, same with the rest of you."

The other reapers went back to what they were doing, some with smiles and lowly muttered colorful comments at the instruction.

"We are gaining back one reaper today, I'd rather gain productivity instead of losing any more of it through frivolous distractions," William said to the room before turning back to Grell. "Now return to your desk, Mr. Sutcliff."

Grell giggled a little in response; William's coldness was such a nice welcome. Ronald patted Grell on the shoulder of his black jacket, a basic attire choice for a start that would be getting changed back to his favorite red coat when he got a little more settled in.

"Thanks for the introduction," Grell said.

"No problem, chap," Ron said. "Now do what the man said and get back to work, ya layabout."

"You do the same, you hack," Grell replied.

Ronald threw him a wink and walked off, getting his death list out for his next client. Grell walked the usual path to his cubicle, a path he had taken back and forth countless times even during his suspension. This time felt so surreal, it felt like truly coming home. He returned to his desk, seeing a red painted clay pot with a miniature red rose bush on his desk. An envelope laid beside it.

"Oh what do we have here," Grell said.

He opened the unsealed envelope, seeing a card inside printed with an image of a rose bouquet surrounded with gold ribbons. He opened the card, it read "Welcome back to the grind" in what looked like Ronald's handwriting. Surrounding it were a multitude of signatures and varying well-wishes welcoming him back. He saw Ron's signature pretty prominently. Even Peter Miles-Graystone signed with "Welcome back, sir." William signed the card as well with "Welcome back."

"Oh such a lovely return gift, all of you are so wonderful," Grell said to the room. "Thank you so much."

A few clapped in response, there were a few calls of "You're welcome" and "Welcome back."

"Yes, very nice, now back to work," William said to the group.

Grell grinned and sat back at his desk, moving the pot to the side and tucking the card beside it. He was now in position to get on with things.

"As we discussed, these first few days will be a gentle reclamation to your duties," William said. "Get you back on track with our business."

A small stack of papers dropped on the desk in front of him.

"I will expect these reports verified and completed by the end of the day," William said. "Should you finish early there's more where that came from. Any questions or issues, you know how to reach me."

Grell grabbed the stack, feeling the heft and thickness. Normally he would have pouted and groaned at being given this much paperwork. This time he was smiling widely, moving his typewriter towards him and getting his pen ready. He was happy to be getting back into the routine.

"Why certainly, dear," Grell said.

William took a step away, then took a step backward and leaned over Grell's cubicle.

"For your information I have chosen your partner for when you are deemed ready to return to collecting," William said in a low tone. "You will be going out with Joshua Hirsch on joint assignments, he will help us will track your progress to get you on your own again."

Grell snickered a little. Josh was a good guy, very pleasant and a master of jokes though very stern on duty. There was a bit of irony in this selection.

"You paired me with a man of the cloth?" Grell said with a mocking smirk. "You think I need some moral counsel, maybe someone to keep the handsome demons away?"

"It couldn't hurt," William said with a light sneer. "I needed someone who could keep you in line and he was the best man I could think of for that job."

"A very wise selection, my dear," Grell said.

"Now get on those papers," William said, walking away.

"Slave driver," Grell replied with a smirk.

William walked off with no reaction, though Grell swore he heard a low snicker.

1 May, 1890

Ashburton Neighbourhood, London

7:45 p.m.

It was one of those perfect spring nights. The sky over London was dotted with millions of little stars. A slight breeze blew through Grell's hair, shifting the strands that now hung to his shoulders and tousling the fringe he cut just last night. He leaned on the handle of his scythe, his favorite red boots finding footing on the gray shingles of the roof. He occasionally reminded himself to look down at his watch and look through the window at the progress of his client.

The old guy was still sitting in his chair reading his nightly verses like a good Christian. Grell looked at his watch again, ten minutes. Normally he would get there just as the big event was scheduled to happen, this time they wanted him to get there a little earlier to meet with Josh and prepare a bit more. This would be his first reaping since Matilda Cornwall, they wanted to give him plenty of time to make sure he was ready.

Grell made eye contact with Joshua, who was leaning against the chimney; the handle of his sickle-shaped scythe loosely clutched in his hand, his short black and gray hair pressed against the bricks.

"Nervous," Joshua asked.

"Excited," Grell replied with a little shiver.

Joshua chuckled and smiled in response.

"You remember the basics, right?" he asked.

"I've had enough rehearsals to be ready for the grand performance," Grell said waving a hand.

"As I said this is all yours, but I'll be right at the ready should you have any trouble."

Grell was tempted to say everything would be just perfect, though he really didn't want to jinx himself. Considering how his last case ended anything could happen, but he wasn't going to dwell on that mess. He would rather get back into the routine, plow ahead, not allow fear and doubt anywhere near him.

"Very reassuring," Grell said with a smile.

Dr. Ian hinted the other day that this moment was probably going to come at any time. His wounds were fully healed, his energy level at full, he had not had any seizures since that night with William a few weeks ago though he was taking his medicine as ordered. Grell expected William would pull him in his office and formally declare him back on collecting duty with full preparations on who he would be collecting and where and all that nonsense. He wasn't expecting William to pause at his cubicle in the middle of his shift.

"Sutcliff, you will be joining Mr. Hirsch tonight at ten to eight; check your copy of the To-Die List for full details," William said before moving along. "You'll note this is earlier than what is listed in the book, I want to give you two ample preparation time."

Grell was still giddy after hearing this, formal declaration or no. He looked down at his watch again, nine minutes; time was just dragging by. He looked back through the window to see the old man still reading as normal; no clue as to what was going to happen in just a few minutes. Joshua looked through the window as well.

"He's on 'Esther,' I always loved that chapter," Josh said.

"I was rather fond of it myself; a woman saves her own people by telling her husband, the mighty king, who she really is," Grell said. "I admired Esther: loyal, fearless, prepared to defend her people even if it means death for her. And no I don't read scripture as one of the faithful."

"You don't need to read it that way to appreciate it, though sometimes a little lesson gets mixed in," Joshua said.

"Very true," Grell replied.

Grell looked down at his watch; seven minutes. There was time for a little small talk; a little feeding of curiosity.

"I am a bit curious, Joshie, what did you do to earn time as my leash-holder," Grell asked. "Especially a man who serves God, the office rabbi if I'm not mistaken."

"You are not mistaken at all," Joshua said. "Considering there are all of seventeen in my congregation my position is hardly that high."

"But you are a man of God being put with such an open, wanton sinner such as myself. Now how did dearest William choose you as my mentor? Not that I mind, of course."

"Don't worry, I have graver duties of spiritual defense now than preaching."

Grell nodded; he was a bit on the spiritual frontlines now in the most literal way possible. Not that he still didn't want to test a few waters.

"Even to immoral, intemperate homosexuals who practice their hellworthy vices rather openly?" Grell said with a smirk. "Not to mention that whole murder rubbish."

"If you're expecting a lecture, you've come to the wrong person," Joshua said with a stiff chuckle.

Grell smiled, this guy was alright. Joshua hastily looked own at his watch before smiling slightly and looking back up.

"I'll be honest with you though," he said. "Mr. Spears had the word out he was looking round for a Senior to take you on, I asked him to put me tops on that list."

"Really," Grell said. He took a quick look through the window, seeing the old man still reading and then turned back to Josh. "Might I ask why? Since you're not too keen on preaching, you must have had other motivations."

"I'm not too keen on preaching on sins of the flesh, outright murder, however, is something that draws my attention a bit more," Joshua said, adjusting his thin-framed oval spectacles.

Grell nodded, rolling his eyes; here comes the lecture.

"Now I am still not a man to judge, you have already answered for your crimes you have been judged enough. Any cleric who's stood below the gallows will tell you the same thing. You and me and the rest of us, we may be gods in a sense ourselves, but all of us still have to answer to the bigger man. I still maintain that. Though I do like to see a good reformation story."

"Reformation," Grell said, leaning his elbow on the handle of his scythe.

"Like a murderer who lays down his very immortality to save one human's soul, then another human's life," Josh said.

Grell looked at him.

"Is that now public information? Grell asked.

"The basic details have been making their way around, especially those commendations you got from the bosses," Joshua replied. "No names and no exact details, just the commendations."

Grell nodded. He didn't think about that; such matters were usually public knowledge.

"But the point is you really saved two people, you saved one human from premature death, and nearly died in the process," Joshua continued. "Could it have been through foolishness? I have trust enough in the bosses to know they wouldn't give such accolades to foolishness."

Grell looked out at the smoking chimneys and thought for a moment.

"Well it was probably foolishness, though no it was not by accident," Grell sighed. "You'll have to pry the report from the bosses or Will if you want to know the rest. Or wait until the moment I get comfortable talking openly about it which will likely be a very long time."

"I'm not asking for the full details, I know it's a personal thing but this just confirms it for me. What you did though was a great act of selflessness. I've admired you greatly since I heard the details, and I have to say I admire you even more now with the confirmation."

Grell's eyebrows raised in surprise.

"A rabbi, a moral man…admiring me?"

"How many of us would have done the same thing?" Joshua continued. "Reapers are selfish beings, we both know that. We see death as a job, one dead person is one client in our long day. Who among us would sacrifice himself for one human?"

Grell looked at him for a moment, then looked down. He never really thought of it that way.

"There is a passage in the Talmud that sticks out in my mind," Joshua continued. "'Whoever destroys a soul, it is considered as if he destroyed an entire world.'"

Grell gave a shrill laugh. Oh how many "worlds" had he destroyed in the course of his whole existence? At one point in history he would have taken even more pride in himself on such a word, now it made him feel a bit more foolish.

"'And whoever saves a life, it is considered as if he saved an entire world,'" Joshua continued.

Grell's smile relaxed and he gave a somewhat defeated nod. He doubted saving Earl Phantomhive's life was like saving an entire world; the kid already damned himself and existed in perpetual wickedness. Though he did have his hands in many places: he did serve the queen to contain Britain's filth and prevent some catastrophes. He did have a sweet, if not dim little girl waiting for his hand in marriage and subsequent spawning of heirs; whether or not it ever happened was up to the fates. Regardless of what the future held for little Ciel, there was a future that would not have been there if Cassius had his way. Perhaps the passage did contain truths, the thought of how many truths was a little sobering.

"And that's what you sacrificed yourself for," Joshua said.

"And then someone went ahead and saved me," Grell said. "With help from quite a few people actually."

Dr. Ian of course, the rest of the medical staff…William. William was the first person in that lounge after learning what happened through Watch. William was the one who ordered the rescue team, he was the first to act upon learning of the blast. Grell owed so much to William as well.

"And those people saved a whole world, a whole cycle of life, of new chances," Joshua said.

"Of rebuilding from foolishness," Grell sighed. "Of allowing many futures."

He looked down at his watch. Four minutes, he would need to get into position soon.

"Except the future is over for this bloke," Grell said, motioning his head to the window.

"A natural end to a full life," Josh said. "And his escort will be someone who is here now rescued from the end himself."

The end was imminent for this old man, an end Grell managed to escape though he was but a step from it. Mortal death was a beginning for reapers, but it didn't mean there was no end. Poor Alan faced this reality everyday, Grell only understood it after he had been snatched away from it. It didn't mean either of them were any further away from that, though which one of them was lucky enough to be here now? It was still just as real as what each one of their clients faced by their very presence. Death wasn't an individual, it wasn't a job, it was simply a force of reality for everything in the planes. Everything and everyone faced their end somehow.

"Perhaps I can sympathize a bit more with our clients," Grell said. "Be a bit gentler on them because I know what they're facing."

"A reaper with wise sympathy is the best kind by my estimation," Joshua said.

"'Wise sympathy' being the key of course," Grell said holding up a finger.

Joshua nodded, looking down at his watch. Grell looked in the window, the old man's head was drooping down. He would enter a pleasant sleep first, then his appointment could come.

"Time to put this second chance to good use," Grell said with a grin.

"Mazel tov," Joshua said. "Holler if you need any help."

Grell lifted his scythe and walked to the window, flashing Joshua a wink then passing through the glass. The room was dark save for one gas lantern on the table, bright enough for the old man to see his verses through his thick spectacles that were now hanging at the tip of his nose. He was now fully slumped in his plush chair wrapped in his green bathrobe; the ideal way to go. Grell looked down at his watch, seeing the hand tick to the appointed minute.

He put the watch back in his pocket, then lifted his death scythe; powering the motor and making sure it was on the setting for invisible cuts. Grell firmly plunged the blade into the old man's chest, releasing his Cinematic Record though leaving no other marks. He stood back and watched the reel play, his book in his hand.

Matthew Wilton; a working man his entire life who toiled in factory after factory while raising a family. He was a kind man, always looking out for his fellows, active in his church, a good father and husband. He eventually became a supervisor and was able to make a better life for his family though advocated for his subordinates. He was able to retire, dedicated his life to advocating for fair labor and volunteered in a Church poorhouse. His wife died a few years ago, his children were scattered around London though visited regularly, his health was failing but he kept as active as he could. This was supposed to have been just a regular night of reading the Good Book before bed.

The "End" frame played and the reel stopped. Grell looked in his book:

"Matthew Wilton: Born 18th of February, 1819, Died 1st of May, 1890, heart failure. No remarks."

Grell paused, the book shaking with his hand. He looked at the book again, then to his peaceful client. He did it. He completed a collection. Grell sighed hard, a small laugh sneaking out. Grell closed his book and looked at his client, his spectacles were practically hanging off his nose. Grell gently pushed them up further with his finger, then looked at him again. The road was over for this guy, it continued for Grell by the grace of many, the best thing to do was continue.

He turned to the window and walked through it, making eye contact with Joshua.

"All set?" Joshua said.

Grell nodded, holding up his book for a second.

"Ready to take care of more?" Joshua asked.

"You needed to ask me that?" Grell replied with a grin, swinging his scythe over his shoulder.

19 May, 1890

Reaper Dispatch Offices - London

5:30 p.m.

It was a note no reaper wanted to see in his mailbox, though Ronald had been dealing with Mr. Spears long enough to see stuff like this as normal. Still it wasn't a pleasant thing to get.

Knox,

As soon as you get off duty, come to my office. There is an important matter I wish to discuss with you.

-Spears

Ronald shoved the note in his pocket, then took the handle of his scythe. His feet rested on the back of the mower and he brought it to a gentle glide for a few meters down the hallway, lightening his mood a bit. The fact the note was in his mailbox and not in his ledger was already a good sign, he thought with a dark smirk. He leapt from the mower, stepping lightly onto the floor and phasing to Mr. Spears' office.

Ronald appeared at the entrance to the main office, dragging his scythe behind him and walking into the office. Ms. Harmon was at the desk in front and waved him in. He shot her a wink and walked through the door, dismissing his scythe. Mr. Spears was sitting at his desk looking over some form.

"Mr. Knox have a seat please," Mr. Spears said not even looking up.

Ron looked over to the two seats in front of the desk, taking the one he usually did on the right. He plopped down, suddenly landing on a pair of bony legs and the sensation of fingers tickling his side. He suddenly jumped up with a yelp, pivoting back to the chair and seeing Mr. Sutcliff sitting in the chair he tried to occupy. Mr. Sutcliff was sitting perfectly still, crossing one leg over the other with his hands in his lap.

"Har har, tricky bastard," Ronald said.

"Knox, mind yourself please," William said, his eyes still on whatever he was scribbling.

"You knew he was gonna do that didn't you?" Ronald retorted, pointing to Grell.

Grell daintily put his fingers to his lips, a wicked smirk poorly concealed by his hand. Ronald noticed the red sleeve of his favorite coat, how long had it been since he'd seen him in that?

"Have a seat Mr. Knox," William said, adjusting his glasses by the side.

His sideways glare at Grell was rather obvious. Ronald smacked Grell on the shoulder, Grell rubbed his arm feigning hurt while Ronald sat down though a smirk broke through.

"I have called you here to inform you of a status change," William continued.

"As in a status of full-duty being given to me as of this afternoon," Grell said, motioning to himself.

Ronald's eyes widened.

"That's bloody brilliant," Ron said. "As in passed the final test?"

"Mr. Sutcliff has been ruled fit to return to full duty as per the satisfactory completion of his twenty-one day review," William said.

"'Satisfactory,' that means I passed through every scrutinizing test with flying colors," Grell said.

"Dr. Sutherland and Mr. Hobbes gave him their full blessings, Mr. Hirsch had very positive comments as well…" William started.

"Well technically Joshie said I was rather boring to keep after," Grell interrupted. "No incidents, no slip-ups, just tagging after me. He probably lamented those four days he was stuck with me; though in this case I'll take that as a compliment."

"Yeah he coulda been cleaning up after you, or cleaning you up," Ronald said.

"And I had no reason to disagree with their findings," William said loudly.

Both put their eyes on him and got glares back.

"Because Mr. Sutcliff is back on full duty, Mr. Knox, the decision was made for him to return to his position as your Designated Senior," William continued.

Ron's mouth formed into a wide smile and he clapped, this was one of the best pieces of news he'd heard in too long. Grell leaned over and patted him on the back.

"I would be remiss if I did not voice my concerns about this little positional reunion," William said, putting his pen down and folding his hands on the desk. "You two together have acted more like harlequins than proper reapers. You have been unproductive, sloppy, and quite frankly embarrassing. However we are now turning the proverbial new leaf. I want to see some more efficiency and some proper behavior out of both of you, am I making myself clear?"

"Yes sir, completely sir," Ronald said, giving a loose salute.

"Sure thing, dearest; this whole 'productivity' thing is sounding promising," Grell said waving his hand.

"I'll hold you too that," William replied pointing a finger at him. "Though I'll admit I'm looking forward to getting your junior back to you. I've had quite enough of him."

Ronald saw a the corner of Mr. Spears' mouth quirk upward for a moment.

"Aww just when I thought we were havin' such a great time," Ronald said with a pout.

"Well I get my boy back, undo all your damage," Grell said.

"Congratulations, you get your little horror back," William replied. "Though he did have some hope with me."

"Doubtful."

"Are you two talkin' about me like I'm your kid or something?" Ronald asked with a snicker.

"Well how about a nephew at least," Grell said. "I'll be auntie, you'll be uncle. Sound nice, Will?"

"How about our business is done and the both of you get out of here? I like the sound of that a bit better," William said. "I've got a pile of actual work to do."

Grell and Ronald got up from their chairs. Grell walked over to the desk and patted William in the head.

"You poor, hardworking, dear," Grell said.

"And you should be too, you still have another round in twenty minutes," William said.

"Yes I do because you're a hard bugger," Grell cooed, kissing him on the side of his mouth.

Ronald held back a snicker, though he couldn't help but notice the calm expression on Mr. Spears' face the whole time, was he seeing the shadow of a smile? Normally Mr. Spears would be slapping him, at the very least twitching an eyebrow. Now he was just sitting there coolly, contently perhaps? Mr. Spears looked over at Ron then rose right up in his chair, his eyebrows furrowed sharply and mouth in a frown. That confirmed so much more.

William lightly pushed Grell aside, Grell chuckled.

"That's right not in front of the baby," Grell said,

"Ronald Knox don't even listen to him," William growled.

"Listen to what? I ain't listenin' to a thing, sir," Ron said with upraised hands. "I heard nothing, I saw nothing, I know absolutely nothing."

"Not that he doesn't know enough already," Grell loudly mumbled.

William paused, then nodded with a sigh.

"I get it, everything in this room is highly classified," Ronald said.

"Let's leave it at that," William replied.

Ron nodded, a smile sneaking out.

"Though I do have to say I'm real happy to see this," Ron said. "Ya know, you two bein' so relaxed."

"Well things change," William said.

"That they do," Grell said, lightly mussing William's hair.

William kept a cool expression, though gently put his hair back into place with his fingers.

"There has been quite a bit of talking," William said. "Perhaps this one isn't as much of the annoying thing I pegged him for. After all, he did save my hide."

Ronald's mouth dropped open.

"Wait, did you just…" Ron said.

"I got a rather overdue bit of thanks a few weeks ago," Grell said. "Are you learning of this just now? Pity, I believe I owe you a little for that. Though I did have to give him some thanks in return. He was the one who rushed to my rescue that day like a valiant knight."

"As part of my duty as Dispatch Manager," William said.

"You are too humble, darling," Grell replied.

"This is bloody beautiful," Ron said with a slight air of awe.

"And this is taking up my precious time," William said. "Both of you, out, now."

Grell patted William on the back and walked toward the door.

"Meet me later for a late night snack, Ronnie," Grell said. "Dining hall, maybe around 9?"

"Sure thing," Ronald replied. "I could go for a quiet night."

"What a shocking declaration," William said.

Grell chuckled as he walked out the door. Ronald walked up to Mr. Spears and extended his hand. Mr. Spears looked at it for a moment, then took it with a smirk.

"It's been a pleasure indeed being your Junior, sir," Ron said, shaking his hand.

"A have to admit it, Knox, you were rather helpful," William responded. "I owe you some thanks as well."

"What're friends for?" Ronald said.

He smiled, William did the same.

"You're no longer my Junior, but your hardly rid of me," William said. "Now get out before I think of some projects for you and your Senior."

Ron pulled his hand back and did a little salute with his fingers together.

"Yes sir," Ron said.

"You two are way too adorable," Grell said from the door.

"Sutcliff," William called.

"Leaving," Grell sang back, this time really stepping out of the office.

22 May, 1890

Reaper Dispatch Offices - London

8:25 p.m.

"I appreciate the little coffee service you have here," Grell said, pouring himself another cup of coffee. "This will keep me a bit more energized as I go into that lovely overnight shift you gave me."

"Yes yes, and you so hate the night shift," William said, picking up another scone. "You have never ran through dark alleys and hopped rooftops like a shadow, or rather a madman."

"Just getting accustomed to the schedule, that's all," Grell said with a smile, putting a few lumps of sugar in his coffee with some cream.

"And you cope so well by bellyaching."

"Oh you know me, darling."

William looked away and sipped his coffee. Grell chuckled, taking a bite of his scone.

"This is such a lovely date we're having," Grell said. "I'm actually enjoying the quiet. Of course we really never had anything 'quiet' back then."

"This is why I prefer this," William replied, holding up his cup. "Let's converse and spend time together like civilized men."

"Like an old couple more like. The passion and fire is all under the kettle and in the hearth."

William sipped his coffee.

"For now," he muttered behind his cup.

"What was that?" Grell leaned into William's face and cupped his hand around his ear. "Did I just hear you say what I thought you did?"

"Gracious no," William said with a faux huff. "Your lewd mind is making you hear things."

Grell gently kicked William's ankle under the table. William tapped Grell's boot with the tip of his toe, a smile sneaking out for a moment before he cleared his throat and adjusted his glasses.

"Honestly, what rudeness," William said.

"Rude? Me? What a scandalous accusation."

Grell looked at the clock on William's wall, he had a bit of time left. He dipped the corner of his scone into a little more jam and nibbled on it.

"Before this slips my mind entirely, the bosses still wish to hold your disciplinary review in four months," William said.

"Oh God, I thought that nonsense was all forgotten about. I thought getting back on full speed after getting my head blasted was good enough for them."

"Consider who we're talking about. They want to give you another four months to see if being healthy means doing something stupid. Though I know you'll take this seriously and be on your best behavior…right?"

"Right, yes, not like I wasn't doing that already. I was keeping that one-year review in mind. Out of curiosity what would have been your recommendations?"

William lightly broke his scone apart, thinking about this one. It was a matter of encouragement or provocation.

"That you had displayed satisfactory behavior in the past year," William replied.

"Ah ha, I knew it! You were going to give me a glowing review after all, though Mr. Spears doesn't give glowing reviews."

"Stay on your best behavior and I might give you an 'Exceeds Expectations' mark."

"Oh dear what generosity. I shall remain at my best then."

"Good, and this review will determine whether you get your Grey Metal Certification back."

"Yes, that's right. My stars I nearly forgot about that. I got a bit distracted."

William nodded profoundly, Grell gave a snicker in return before sipping his coffee and looking back up at the clock.

"Ugh, is it that late?" Grell said.

He gulped down the rest of his coffee and put the cup back on its saucer.

"It appears so," William replied. "I'm probably going to finish this and settle into bed."

"Well unlike some people I actually have some work to do," Grell said, getting up from the couch.

"You poor, boring thing," William replied with a smirk.

Grell playfully rolled his eyes, then walked over to William.

"Sweet dreams," Grell said, running a hand through his hair.

"Happy hunting," William replied. "And replace your ribbon on your bloody typewriter. I'm tired of all the headaches I get from trying to read your reports."

"Yes, boss."

Grell leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. William craned his neck up and kissed him back, softly nuzzling his cheek with his nose. Grell held the kiss for a few more seconds, oh how he didn't want to leave. Alas, he couldn't keep his clients waiting.

Grell slowly pulled back and grinned, coming to a full stand and walking of with a wave. William waved a hand to shoo him off. Grell winked at him and walked for the door, blowing a kiss. William looked at him boredly though his smile slightly broke free.

"Nighty night," Grell said.

"Cheers," William replied.

Grell passed through the door and went invisible, though William could hear the slight shuffling as he walked…no skipped down the hallway.

William leaned back in his chair, sipping from his cup with a contended sigh. Things just felt right now, things felt somewhat normal…no better than normal. Put in proper order, an order they had not been in too long. Order had a way of undoing itself, though. Such was how things worked, such was the inevitability of time especially seemingly limitless time.

William picked half of his scone and took a large bite. To hell with that, he was tired of fatalism. Enjoying the moment sounded much nicer. Let calamity snatch everything away again, let things get complicated, who cared. William T. Spears was enjoying himself right now and that was all that mattered.

23 May, 1890

Piccadilly Circus, London

4:45 a.m.

Grell collected Simon Hawkins two hours ago, now he was passing by to find that Inspector Abberline fellow walking up to his corpse right now. A notepad and pencil were in his hands, though he just stared up at the guy. It was an understandable reaction to Mr. Hawkins' current condition. The carcass was dangling upside-down from a lamp sconce mounted in the stone in a back alley, tethered there are wrapped around all over by jump ropes. His face was smeared with chocolate, wrappers stuffed in his mouth like an apple in a pig; Grell could make out a few parts of the crowned Funtom cat on a few. By now the blood stopped trickling from the hole in his throat and the many stab wounds into his scrawny form.

Inspector Idiot broke from his awe to order a perimeter, he wanted to take evidence before the body was hoisted down.

"Whaddya mean 'No one's seen anything,' this ain't something that easily unnoticed," he barked at one of his coppers.

"Sorry, Inspector, everyone we spoke to swore they ain't seen nothing, just a body," the frazzled bobby replied.

"Of course, you imbecile, you're in the heart of thieves kingdom," Grell muttered under his breath, though his rooftop perch was a bit too high up for anyone to hear anything he said. "No one is going to tell a bloody thing to the police, even if it happened in broad daylight."

The perpetrators were actually a ring of child pickpockets Mr. Hawins ran around until two hours ago. He would take most of their collection, beat them soundly, and have them fight each other for scraps of food. He only found out tonight the kids got a new sponsor who treated them like little princes and princesses. Mr. Hawkins was summarily terminated from his position by all his former subordinates, the kids scattered away before anyone really did see anything. If anyone did they were keeping their mouths shut.

As much as Grell was trying to bear more sympathy for his clients, one recollection of Ronald's case file made him internally cheer the kids on as they plunged their kitchen knives into the bugger. Maybe he just wouldn't care about the true villains, he snickered a little at the hypocrisy of that.

Grell turned away from this scene, it would probably be in the papers tomorrow but his work was done. Technically he was off duty, he finished his last client and dismissed his scythe just fifteen minutes ago. A little wandering was fun, he hadn't done this in quite a while.

Grell hopped off his perch, lightly stepping over the eaves and gables, leaping over dormers and sliding down awnings. The sky was still black though he saw the faint glow of purple in the east. The city below him was illuminated in thousands of flickering lamps. He heard the squeaking of carts taking to the streets, a few passing conversations from the early morning crowd, shutters opening on bakeshops and markets, the lingering barking and whimpering of a mugger and his prey. Clouds hung low in the sky, the smell of rain was in the air with the stench of low tide on the Thames mixed with dung and smoke and flowers and blood.

He took a sprint, hopping from one peak to another. The purple glow in the east was spreading, turning the whole cloudy sky a shade of indigo. Angelina's coat whipped behind him, the wind flowed through his shoulder-length hair and jangled the chain on his spectacles. He leapt on a shingled cupola, his boots finding footing on the dome as he grabbed the weathervane on top.

Grell stopped, looking down at the entirety of London around him; the grand landscape below him and the wide horizon above. All around him he could make out one rising Cinematic Record after another; colleague after colleague making their own rounds. He took a deep breath, savoring everything. He was still here to enjoy all of this, he would be here for a very long time to watch all of it change or even end.

The entire sky took a violet hue. The rising red ball in the east slowly crawled up from the horizon, bathing the whole city in reddish light for a moment before the light slightly faded to an orange-gray. The sun rose on another day.

The heavy bell of Big Ben sounded over the city: 5 o'clock. Grell let go of the weathervane, only now was he feeling a little fatigued. It was time to go home. Maybe he would read a little more Tennyson with some mint tea, slowly settle into bed. Thankfully he had the rest of the day off, he would find something to do with it later.

Grell blew a kiss to the risen sun, watching a it slowly disappeared behind the clouds. He then leapt from the cupola and phased back to base.

THE END

Author's Note: And here ends "This Immortal Coil."

This story has been a very personal project for me that I have worked on during a very difficult time in my life. The first version of this story was "Perchance to Dream," which is Grell's surreal perspective during the time he was unconscious. It was very much an experimental fic; I played around quite a bit with disjointed dream sequences and was kind of neutral on how it turned out. Four days after I finished "Perchance to Dream" I was involved in a serious car crash. Thankfully I only got a few bruises from it, but my car was totaled and I was badly shaken emotionally. After that I could barely even look at "Perchance to Dream;" it was too much of a reminder. As I was recovering from the crash, I was also dealing with some very negative interpersonal issues that ended with me ending my relationship with someone.

The idea started getting a little louder of a re-write of "Perchance to Dream" with the events told from William and Ronald's points of view. I got a bigger sense that "Perchance to Dream" only told part of the story and there was so much more to explore. I also wanted to examine the concept of sudden trauma. I wanted to express my own pain a bit more with the idea of everything being normal one moment and a second later everything has changed, then the healing and rebuilding process to make things more normal again. Finally I dived into my writing, titling it "This Immortal Coil," and realizing how happy I was to explore these ideas. I had no idea how much support this story would receive and I am so happy with how it turned out.

A few inspiration notes: the idea of the angel blast comes directly from the Kevin Smith film "Dogma." In that film a human who hears the true voice of God will have his or her head and heart explode, which happens in a scene at the end of the movie (if you want to know what an angel blast looks like, watch this scene). Hence "Voice of the Almighty," which was meant to sound just as dramatic as "The Thorns of Death" from the musical. I drew a lot of ideas from my ongoing background fic for Grell "Bloody Red Doll." If you saw references to Grell's past, they came from that story. I also took a lot of inspiration from some angsty rock songs as well as a few more hopeful ones. "These Are the Days of Our Lives" by Queen factors very prominently, "The Taste of Ink" by The Used is the end theme of this chapter. There will be a full soundtrack list sometime. I also discovered Eve to Adam and found half of "Banquet for a Starving Dog" relates so well to this story especially "My Vanity," which relates way too well to Grell and William's relationship in the context of the story.

I can't guarantee if there will be any formal sequels to this story, but there will be some form of continuation even if in smaller chunks. I have a few ideas I've been playing with that will probably come out in some form. I do want to take time to mull over some ideas and we'll see what that creates.

A huge thank you to everyone who read and reviewed this story. All of you are amazing!