A/N: Hiya, a new chapter so quickly, my lovelies. Alan's having more dreams, there's some Eric and Alan cuteness, some grumpy Ron cuteness, Grell is home and causing trouble, the Undertaker's back and Will is getting all jealous. Yay. Also, since this isn't going to be anywhere near as long as the other fics, I'm already thinking about my next fic. It's going to be a messy complicated love triangle with a few extra sides. Anyway, thanks for all the reviews and please keep them coming.

Apparently, Alan and William weren't the first ones who'd bumped into Ronald before he'd come into their lives permanently. He could only assume that Eric had forgotten or didn't recognise Ronald. Both had changed.

Alan was trapped in another of those strange, memory dreams. The name on the death list quite definitely said the reaper assigned to this soul was Eric Slingby. It wasn't his stolen death list, which meant Alan wasn't the first person Ronald had stolen a death list from. It had been a couple of days since he'd told Eric about what had happened to him and the dreams had got worse. He'd seen a lot of things that made him worry about Ronald. He'd seen him murder too many people, several reapers and other demons, even watched Sebastian take apart several demons. He was starting to worry for their safety.

Right now, he was climbing the stairs to the bedroom. Within moments, he'd ripped out his knives and killed the man in there, quickly taking his soul. Alan was starting to see what demons saw in feeding on souls. The world was suddenly amazing and bright. It was suddenly so beautiful.

"Figures I'd bump into a demon after an easy soul," Eric growled.

Alan smiled and turned to him, gripping his knives tighter. Eric's hair was still dark and loose around his face, how he was the day Alan first met him. Eric smirked and Alan's hands went to his hips. Alan couldn't help thinking how stunning he looked. Ronald seemed to agree. That was a little worrying. He knew what happened with people Ronald liked. There was a long moment of silence before Ronald laughed and strode forwards.

"Please, I'm only doing what I have to do to survive," Alan said. "You can let just one soul slip by, can't you? I'll make it worth your while."

"You think I'd trust the word of a demon?" Eric growled.

Alan frowned. Ronald was young at this point. If Alan had to guess he'd put Ronald as being a demon less than three years. He hadn't even started changing his hair colour yet. Alan's eyes widened slightly and tears sprung to his eyes.

"You reapers are so mean," he whined. "You know, if I could get my food some other way, I would. You have no idea how unfair this is. I didn't ask to be a demon, you know?"

Eric faltered and Alan smirked, driving his knee into Eric's stomach. He doubled over and Alan twisted, slamming his knee into his chin. The elder blonde fell to the floor and Alan spun against his wall, turning and running from the building, dropping from the window and out into the crowd. Eric was right after him and Alan was grinning, weaving his way through the crowds. He was terrified, well Ronald was terrified and not sure where he was going to get away, but Alan was amazed. He hadn't felt so strong and alive since he got the Thorns. He'd been so cooped up, people worrying about him and being unable to do too much physical work in case he had an attack. The further along his illness got, the more people worried and the less he could do. But Ronald body was young and healthy and, well, pretty much perfect. It was amazing to be able to run through the crowds with Eric on his heels and not worry about an attack, just what Eric would do once he got his hands on him. It was one of the few good things about these dreams.

Sometimes, he wanted nothing more than to hide in Ronald's memories. He wanted to be strong and free, even if it was in someone else's memories and only in his dreams. Yes, sometimes he had to deal with Ronald trauma and pain but sometimes, it was incredible.

Just about managing to outrun Eric, Alan bounced up onto the rooftops and across to the Undertaker's shop, sauntering in and smiling at the old man. He was a comfort. He sat on one of the coffins, watching the Undertaker work with a smile. Finally, the Undertaker finished and turned his attention to him.

"Good morning, little one," the Undertaker said.

"Morning," Alan chirped. Yes, he liked these dreams. If Ronald could live through them personally then he could live through them in dreams, couldn't he? "Busy day planned?"

The Undertaker shook his head and Alan smiled. He closed his eyes, resting on his knees and letting his mind wander back to Eric. He liked that. Not that Ronald was thinking about Eric but that he got to think about Eric. It was weird, but he rather liked the way Ronald's mind wandered to all the dirty things he wanted to do with Eric. That was another thing Alan was rather so-so about. He liked that Ronald slept with people, kind of. It meant he wasn't so afraid anymore. He began to think maybe he could sleep with Eric and not have an attack.

"Do you have your seal, little one?" the Undertaker said. Alan opened his eyes and glanced up at him, shaking his head. The Undertaker beckoned him over to his desk. There was a sheet of black metal with a slight gold shine. Alan realised what was happening. "Here, put your hand on this, little Ronald."

"Umm, ok," he said quietly.

Alan put his hand on the metal and there was a soft glow. These dreams were teaching him so much about demons and their culture and the way they worked. It was amazing. As he moved his hand away slowly, Alan smiled to see his- Ronald's seal in the metal. The little charm he'd been wearing around his neck. The Undertaker smiled and slid the pendant onto a chain and clipping it around Alan's neck.

"There, little one," he chuckled.

"It's so pretty," Alan said. "What is it?"

"It's your seal," the Undertaker replied, patting his head as Alan picked up the pendant, looking over it. "It's your unique mark, every demon has their own one. It's unique to you and has the power of a contract, you know about contracts?" He nodded. "Good boy. It's just a little trinket, something you can give to someone special, your mate." Alan almost felt guilty. This was meant for William, not him. "Just something to help make it special."

Alan smiled and nodded, tucking it under it shirt. So that was how he got it. He smiled and the Undertaker petted his hair once more.

Opening his eyes to the familiar feel of being in Eric's arms, Alan smiled. Things were looking better. He frowned and smacked Eric's arm to wake him up. The blonde grunted and opened his eyes a crack, murmuring something incoherent.

"Why didn't you tell me you'd bumped into Ronald before?" Alan snapped.

"Wha?" Eric groaned.

"You've met him before," he said. "I saw it. He beat you."

"Like hell he did," he said firmly. "It wasn't a fair fight."

"Oh, so you do remember?"

"Shut up." Eric closed his eyes again and Alan smiled, snuggling up against him and gently kissing his neck, making Eric hum softly. "Alan."

"I missed you," he purred.

"I haven't been anywhere," Eric said quietly, wrapping his arms around him. "I've not left you for a second."

"I know, but I've been so cold," Alan said quickly. "I love you, you know that, right?"

"Yeah, of course."

He pulled him back over and Alan ended up lying on his chest. Alan smiled and closed his eyes again, playing with the pendant around his neck. It was meant for William, Ronald's mate. It was beautiful, Ronald's seal was beautiful. He smiled and kissed Eric's cheek. It was meant for his mate but Ronald had given it to him. It was so sweet. It made him feel kind of special.

"Where were you last night?" Ronald breathed as William came in. William paused and Ronald opened one eye. "Well?"

"I had to bring Grell in," William replied. He wasn't surprised when Ronald let out a feral growl and rolled way, burying himself in the bedding. William sighed and sat on the bed, leaning over, resting his arms on his side. "Ronald, we're going to see him later."

"No we're not," he said firmly.

William sighed, slowly undressing and managing to wrench some of the bedding away from Ronald enough to climb in and wrap his arms around him, gently stroking his hair. He didn't want to upset Ronald any more than he already was. He and Grell didn't exactly get on but Ronald knew Grell was an important part of his life, didn't he? And he knew he didn't mean anything like as much as Ronald did. William pulled Ronald closer and struggled to get the bedding away from him for long enough to plant a placating kiss on his lips.

"It's work, Ronald," William said quietly.

"I know," Ronald said. He didn't sound happy about it and he didn't sound like he was going to forgive him soon. The blonde rolled over once more and hid beneath the covers again. "I don't care though."

William sighed and closed his eyes. It was too early in the morning to get up, and even if it wasn't, he was quite content to lie in with Ronald in his arms. Sooner or later, Ronald would calm down. Ronald and Grell would get on if they weren't so busy competing for his attention.

When he opened his eyes again, the room was bright and sunny and Ronald was already slipping on his waistcoat and shoes. He sighed and got up slowly and dressed. They were supposed to go and see Grell. Ronald looked furious, even if his face didn't show it, his eyes were a strange mix of blue and hat hellish red, like he couldn't quite shut down his demonic nature with his annoyance at having to visit Grell. He frowned and reached out to touch his arm reassuringly.

"Ronald-"

"Don't," Ronald said quietly. "I'm not happy about being woken up by grumpy reapers after my boyfriend was out all night fetching home the guy he cheated on me with. Don't give me a reason to shove you back on the bed and ignore all this."

William withdrew his hand, nodding slightly. They were supposed to figure out why Grell had done it. William wasn't exactly pleased about it, and he didn't know why Ronald needed to be there, but it was going to get awkward.

Grell was being held in the holding cells under the offices. The door opened slowly and they were shown in. Grell's wrists were chained to a belt on his waist and he was wearing what looked like a muzzle, probably because the guards all knew better than to get on the receiving end of those teeth. His belt was also chained to the footboard of the bed, with a chain just long enough to allow him to wander close to the bed but the length had been shortened before they came in. William didn't miss the flash of amusement in Ronald's eyes and the smirk that tugged at his lips. He was enjoying this far too much.

"Why did you do it, Sutcliff?" he said quietly.

"Get him out of here," Grell snarled, lunging forwards, the chains stopping him just out of reach of Ronald. The little demon smirked. "You-"

"You should watch your temper, my lady," Ronald purred.

Grell snarled and jerked against the chains, looking like he wanted to throttle Ronald. William sighed and stepped between them. "Stop fighting. Why did you do it, Sutcliff, you know how much trouble you're in."

"They deserved it," Grell snapped. "They sleep around for money, have kids and then get rid of them. Some people aren't lucky enough to even have the chance to look after children. They charm the weak minded with their bodies and offering up easy sex and complete submissiveness and steal men away from the people who love them!"

He growled and threw himself forwards again but William caught him and shoved him away, not caring if the chains would stop him or not. Was Eric right? Was Grell taking it out on them because he was angry at Ronald? When he glanced back, Ronald had stalked off. He sighed and glared down at Grell who was yelling after him. Ronald would probably go to Eric and Alan or the Undertaker. He just hoped he wouldn't go to Sebastian or one of the other demons.

"Good morning," Ronald said quietly, opening the door to Eric's room. The pair smiled and looked up. "Hey, I didn't want to disturb you guys but William's trying to talk some sense in Grell and I didn't really want to be there."

Alan patted the bed and Ronald came over, kicking off his shoes and tossing his waistcoat to the chair before diving under the covers with them. It was too cold outside anyway. He noticed Alan was still playing with the seal pendant around his neck then batted his arm.

"You could have told me you'd met Eric before," Alan said, leaning against him. "I can't believe you guys."

"Huh?" Ronald said, glancing down at him.

"I didn't remember either," Eric mumbled into his pillow. "Don't worry."

Ronald nodded. He didn't remember bumping into Eric before he'd met Alan and William and they'd taken him in. "Just before the Undertaker gave you this."

Again, he nodded. He did remember meeting a reaper that morning, a rather handsome, rugged reaper who, now he thought about it, di look a lot like Eric and did have his glasses and dressed rather similarly. Of course he didn't remember until he was reminded. Eric had certainly changed since then.

"I suppose we should go and see the Undertaker and ask about why I'm having weird dreams," Alan said with a sigh.

"No," Ronald murmured. "It's cold out there and it's warm in here."

"It's a good point," Eric said.

"No, come on," Alan said firmly, getting up and pulling them behind him. "We need to figure this out. Who knows what side effect these dreams could have in the long run? Now Grell's home we don't need to worry about him anymore. Let's go."

Both blondes groaned but he soon got them out into London and heading along to the Undertaker's. He had clients in. The three of them waited quietly, but Alan noticed how uncomfortable Ronald looked. After a moment, he realised why. Sebastian was there. Ronald stayed silent, slightly behind Eric and Alan. When the Undertaker was done, the stern looking woman and her husband walked off first before Sebastian and a young teen, maybe not even that. Sebastian's gaze locked with Ronald's for a moment and Eric quickly stepped between them, growling softly.

"So," the Undertaker called as the door closed. "What can I do for you today?" Ronald sat on the one of the coffins and the Undertaker ruffled his hair, gesturing to the back room. "Your friend's last two victims are in there." Ronald nodded weakly and Alan wandered over to the door, glancing inside at the two women taken before their time. "Is there something on your mind, little one?"

"I'm worried about Sebastian," Ronald murmured. The Undertaker nodded. "And Grell."

The Undertaker chuckled and petted his head. "I had warned you that you should have left when you had the chance."

"We're not going to let him get to you," Alan said firmly. "If he wants to hurt you, or take you away, he's going to have to go through us. Right Eric?" Eric nodded and the Undertaker's laughter filled the room once more as the old man leant against his desk. "What's so funny?"

"Sebastian is stronger than any of you can imagine," Ronald said. Alan frowned and glanced over. The blonde sounded so broken by Sebastian. "You've seen some of things he can do. If he wants something, nothing can get in his way."

"Ronald," he whispered. "It'll be ok, I promise. We won't let him hurt you."

"He's right," Eric grumbled. Alan frowned. He knew Eric was still a little untrusting when it came to Ronald, he didn't blame him, but Alan would rather trust in Ronald and take the pain of having that trust destroy than refuse to have faith in him and hurt him if he was being genuine. He supposed it was naïve but he wanted to still believe he could trust people without needing them to prove something. "It's not worth abandoning you, is it?"

"Thanks guys," Ronald said with a small smile. "But you don't have to be so kind about it. I know I'm trouble for you guys."

"Hey, we're all trouble here," he laughed with a shrug. "Don't worry about it."

"And just would Sebastian be more interested in you that usual?" the Undertaker said, leaning forwards to poke Ronald's nose. "Hmm?"

"I- I, uh-" A grin spread across the Undertaker's face and leant on his shoulder, petting his head like he was a child. "It's not a big deal." The old man burst into laughter once more, falling to the floor, holding his side. Ronald sighed. "Really? It's not that funny."

Alan smiled. He knew Ronald looked at the Undertaker as something of a father figure, he was where Ronald ran when he was scared or stressed, he was the most reassuring presence throughout Ronald's life as a demon. Even if Sebastian was the one who had saved him, the Undertaker had never taken advantage of him and nearly always had his best interest at heart. He might have acted like he only saved Ronald because he was amusing, but he was pretty sure, and he knew from Ronald's memories he was sure too, that the Undertaker would generally save him from something he couldn't handle.

"You're worried he'll hurt Mr Spears?" the Undertaker chuckled.

"I love him," he whispered. This just seemed to amuse the Undertaker more, who had a few tears of laughter dripping down his cheeks. "It's not funny! I didn't ask for this! I didn't want to fall in love with him! It's not fair! I was going to get a tasty soul and then BAM, nature decides the one person in my life who I'm supposed to be with and who loves me and it my one perfect mate is the stupid, stiff, bad tempered reaper I'm trying to make a meal out of! You think I'm overjoyed about this?"

"And William loves him?" Eric said under his breath. Alan turned and glared at him. William and Ronald had met and fallen in love under awkward circumstances, of course there were going to be a few kinks to work out. Alan sighed and walked over to sit with him, wrapping his arms around his shoulders. "Oh please, he's not a baby, Alan, he's a demon."

"He's a demon, Will," Grell snapped, glaring up at William. "He's not got for you. You can't trust him."

"And I can trust you?" William replied. Obviously he wasn't going to get anything out of Grell. He sighed and turned away. "I'm done here. You'll be given a trail, as I'm sure you're aware, and your fate will be decided then."

"Wait! You're not going to help me?" he cried. "You did save me."

William sighed and adjusted his glasses slightly. "Did I not make it clear last night, Sutcliff? You broke the rules and I did not save you, I brought you home for punishment. If you continue to be so difficult to handle, it won't help your case."

"This is all that demon's fault." William shook his head and turned to the door but Grell caught the back of his jacket. "I'm sorry, Will, I don't want to be alone. Help me, please."

William paused and frowned. Was Grell actually begging him for help? Not that he could really do all that much for him. Grell's fate would be decided at a trail. He really couldn't do anything. William pushed him off and strode away to the door. He was a murderer, why should he help him, even going after Ronald like that.

"Fine," Grell snarled. "You can go and see that stupid demon of yours. He's got you right where he wants you, hasn't he?" William paused and turned. What was he blabbering on about now? "He only wants to use you and then eat you. He doesn't love you. He'll never love you. And you've left him with a hottie like Eric? You think that demon whore can keep his hands off of him?"

"And you wonder why I won't help you," William said quietly, opening the door.

"You watch!" he yelled after him. "We both know Eric doesn't know how to be faithful. He's going to get Alan in bed and leave him and that demon will keep you sweet until he thinks it's safe to eat your soul. You're both being stupid if you think you can make these relationships work. Those children have got you both twisted and if you think Eric can resist a kid who offers it to him on a plate? You just wait."

"I'm not listening, Sutcliff."

But he was listening. Grell's words echoed in his mind and he couldn't stop himself thinking them over. What if he was right? Eric was a good friend, but he'd never managed to keep a relationship going for long, he just got distracted by someone new. But Ronald… He was Ronald's mate, wasn't he? Didn't that mean Ronald couldn't leave him? Grell didn't know that of course, so he wouldn't know the fault in his logic, but did being Ronald's one and only mean that Ronald would suddenly change and leave behind all the bad habits he'd picked up over the years. What if it wasn't that easy? What if Ronald wasn't to be trusted around Eric?

He knew Ronald had wanted to go to the Undertaker's once Grell was caught so that was where William headed. And as he'd expected, Ronald, Eric and Alan were there. However, just as he opened the door, before they'd even noticed him, he caught sight of Eric moving his fingers slowly over Ronald's forehead and through his hair, brushing back his messy fringe from his face and slowly moving his hand down his cheek and jaw. William's ground his teeth but just adjusted his glasses and stepped into, shutting the door silently behind him. It was just Grell's accusations playing on his mind. Eric and Ronald weren't known for appreciating personal space, he was just letting Grell get to him.

Ronald smiled and William quickly remembered it that Ronald couldn't stop loving him. He was his mate, biologically he was almost forced to love him. He walked over slowly and wrapped his arms around William, pulling him close and completely unable to stop himself glaring daggers at Eric for daring to touch his Ronald like that.

"William," Ronald purred, nuzzling against his jaw and closing his eyes. "You came."

"Of course," William said. "I wouldn't just abandon you with these idiots." He leant down and gently kissed his nose. "Sutcliff is being completely uncooperative. Not that I expected anything less."

"No," Ronald grumbled. "I suppose you wouldn't, would you?" William sighed and glanced away as Ronald gazed up at him. "Oh, right, Undertaker. I wanted to ask about the pendant you gave me." The Undertaker turned. "It doesn't, I don't know, do anything, does it? Or is it just a piece of jewellery?"

"Hmm? Oh, of course it does something," the Undertaker said. "It would react your mate."

Ronald frowned and glanced up at William. "It didn't react at all to William. I mean, nothing has happened with it at all, it's just a hunk of metal, right?" They all nodded. "There's nothing going on at all."

"Then, perhaps you should consider things more carefully," he said gently. Ronald lowered his head and closed his eyes, making William heart wrench and his hold around Ronald tightened. Opening his eyes, Ronald stared up at him and William offered a reassuring smile. Even if the Undertaker was suggesting he wasn't Ronald mate he would never stop loving Ronald. "Anything else you wanted?"

"Alan's having strange dreams," Ronald said quietly. "He's seeing my memories. Do you have any idea how-"

"Demons are complicated creatures," he said. "It's possible you've just been spending too much time together and his need to protect you has led to some strange activities." Ronald nodded and glanced at Alan. "I'm sure it's nothing to worry about. Once you're recovered from your fears and issues I'm sure it will pass."

Ronald and Alan nodded but William knew Ronald wasn't convinced. He held Ronald gently, trying not to be too annoyed by Eric having been so close to Ronald. He wasn't going to be jealous. He wasn't going to be like that, it was obviously nothing but Grell was just making him so paranoid. Still, if it would pass in time he didn't mind. Of course, William didn't like the idea of Alan knowing more about Ronald and his passed and his feelings than him, but it would be ok. Even if that stupid bit of metal didn't think they should be together, both he and Ronald did. And that was what mattered really.