#ronwill

[elizaxspears]

On the House

Hi! @albicocca011 thank you for your request <3 and hopefully this hits the spots you were hoping for! I was debating between waiter and bartender before settling on bartender! I also hope I was able to convey oblivious William and Ronald increasingly making their relationship more blatant!

I also apologies if it's a bit rusty, still trying to find my writing voice again!

________________________________________

“It’s been a long while since we’ve done this.”

Ronald tilts his head backwards to look William in the eyes, staring incredulously at his partner. William’s own attention is scanning the names of the bottles behind the bar. Ronald himself is resting casually with his back to the bar, elbows resting on the bar top while he twists the seat of his stool from side to side. “And who’s fault is that?” Though there’s no actual malice with the question. It’s more of a tease because they both know the answer.

“My apologies that I must work.” William replies in that snarky, dry tone that actually has little real bite to it. Ronald just grins.

Finally, William turns his attention to Ronald, rubbing his hand over Ronald’s arm, “truthfully, I’m grateful we’re able to spend tonight together. It really has been a long while since we’ve had any time to ourselves.”

Ronald does agree with that and it isn’t like they haven’t tried. Either it was work, other plans or outright exhaustion keeping them apart. Sure, once in a while Ronald could convince William to stay the night or vice versa but those nights were so far and few between that it barely felt like they happened at all. “Honestly, me too.” Ronald agrees, his grin turning to a more genuine smile as he rotates his stool to face William fully, taking William’s hand on his arm. “You’re hot when you’re all boss-like but you’re even hotter when you’re all boyfriend-like.”

William raises an eyebrow. “I believe it’s a little early to be flattering me so blatantly.”

Ronald chuckles, “c’mon Will! I’m bein’ honest! What’s wrong with that?”

William upturns his hand, curling his fingers around Ronald’s. “I suppose there’s nothing wrong with it. I’m still…unused to flattery being so genuine.”

“Which is why I won’t stop.”

William makes no comment to that, instead slipping his hand free and scanning the bottles again. “I can’t say drinking is an expertise of mine, however. What would you recommend?”

Ronald spins around to the bar, “hm, nothin’ too hard, yeah?”

“That would be appreciated.”

“Then…could go with a basic cider? Oo! Or a wine spritzer! Fits your class act.” He nudges William’s shoulder with his own, leaning heavily onto the other man, “sex on the beach?” He winks.

William rolls his eyes, shoving Ronald back into his seat. “I should have expected such idiocy sooner or later.”

Ronald snorts with his grin returning, leaning closer again, “yeah, you shoulda.”

“There a problem here? This lad bothering you?”

Both of them swap attention to the bartender. He’s a tall, muscular fellow with brown hair; a real handsome type and of course his question is directed to William who shakes his head whilst waving his hand. “No, he’s not bothering me. We’re here together. He’s my companion.”

Companion? Clearly, the bartender took the word to mean purely friendship as well as his demeanour changes quickly, placing his palms on the countertop to lean on his arms, offering William a real charming smile. “Glad you’re not being bothered then. So what can I get you?”

William sighs, “that’s the problem I’m afraid. I don’t drink very often and I haven’t a clue what modern alcohol would fit my tastes.”

“Modern?” He leans back up, “you’re an old fashioned kinda guy?”

“He is.” Ronald interrupts. “And he’ll take a wine spritzer.”

“I can order for myself Knox.” William reprimands him. “And you’re the expert here. What do you recommend? I’m not overly fond of hard alcohol.”

“There’s always the classic gin and tonic.” The bartender suggests. “But, if you hear me out, try an old fashioned since you’re an old fashioned type of guy.”

“I don’t think that’s the kinda drink he’s lookin’ for.” Ronald cuts in again.

William nods. “I must agree.”

The bartender chuckles. “Then a gin and tonic it is.” He finally properly addresses Ronald. “And you?”

“Yeah, I’ll have the same thing.”

“Two gin and tonics coming up then.”

It takes little time for the bartender to make their drinks and once he’s off to take care of other patrons, Ronald immediately asks, “companion?!”

William swirls his drink in the tumbler, appearing confused by the indiscretion of Ronald’s voice “Yes?”

“Com. Panion, Will. That’s the word you use to describe us?”

“You are my companion. My life companion and considering our lives as reapers do not end, that is not a word I’d use lightly.”

Ronald groans, covering his face with his hand. “C’mon Will! You’re killing me!” He drops his hand, “you coulda said partner, y’know. That sounds more, y’know, like we’re datin’.”

William ponders, sips his drink, then nods, conceding Ronald did have a point. “Ah.” He says after he swallows. “I suppose it would. I apologise Ronald. You know romance is still a rather foreign concept to me, especially when we really hardly have the time to be anything more then superior and subordinate. I’d overheard Humphries refer to himself and Slingby as companions and I believed it carried another meaning beyond friendship.”

“Because they were tryin’ to be subtle! Even if they’re as subtle a Grell is.” Ronald adds as an after thought.

“Then I apologise again.” William insists, clearly trying to convey that he really meant nothing by his choice of words and Ronald could never really be mad. Despite how long they’d actually been dating, years at this point, this relationship was still a learning curve for William and it was a curve Ronald was willing to help William navigate. Instead, Ronald just offers a smile, squeezing William’s hand.

After a few more minutes of it just being them, the bartender returns and Ronald once again notices how he’s facing only William. “So, how’re the drinks.”

“Refreshing.” William replies. “A gin and tonic was certainly the way to go, thank you.”

“Of course! I know how to take care of my friends.” He winks, Ronald’s hand tightening around his tumbler. “So, I’ve got to ask. Are you a lawyer or something? You’re dressed pretty damn smart to be in a pub like this at this time of night.”

True. William, as expected, remains in his three-piece suit while everyone around them, Ronald included, is dressed down into something more casual. “A lawyer? Hm. I suppose in some sense, but no. We are Grim Reapers.”

Ronald slaps his forehead and shakes his head while the bartender flicks his eyes down and up over William’s suit. “A Grim Reaper? Like…a mortician?”

“Yep.” Ronald cuts in a third time. “Morticians.”

The bartender nods, eyes alight with amusement, “fascinating! You know, when I was younger, I thought I could stomach working with bodies, even had plans to work for forensics but as I got older, I couldn’t even handle horror movies!” He chuckles. “So I opted for something more social and I’d say, I’m pretty good at it.” He takes William’s empty glass, “another?”

William looks at his watch. “I suppose another wouldn’t hurt.”

“And put the drinks on my tab.” Ronald says, shoving his glass toward the bartender indicating for a refill as well. “My treat for him.” He puts his hand back on William’s.

“Can do.” He says, once again more to William then Ronald.

Again, once the drinks are made, the bartender tends to other patrons but Ronald continues to glare. “Is there a reason why you’re clutching my hand so tightly?” William asks, looking down at said hand.

Ronald instantly releases him, “my bad.”

“Is something wrong?”

Ronald downs half his drink in one go. “No. I’m good.” He forces a smile. “So, I was thinkin’, why don’t you come back to mine after we’re done here?”

William clearly doesn’t believe Ronald but he doesn’t push. Instead, he considers Ronald’s offer. “I’m not sure that would be the best idea. I’ll have to go in early tomorrow to catch up on the work I’m skipping tonight.”

“You don’t have to stay the night!” He insists, “even if I’d prefer that. Just, stay for a bit? Some evening tea? A snog on the couch?”

“Evening tea does sound nice…”

Ronald smirks. “Just the tea?”

“Oh I’m sure you’ll manage to convince me to indulge as well.”

True. William’s even admitted that Ronald’s the only person he allows himself to really relax with. “Hey, you have a great time!”

“I suppose that’s also true.” He offers Ronald a small, brief smile that means more to Ronald then any kiss or declaration of partnership. He’d spent so long trying to find William’s smile and knowing he’s probably the only one that can pull a genuine one from William is his greatest achievement.

The bartender returns quicker then last time, a fact that isn’t lost on Ronald. Nor is it lost on him that he’s been more occupied with them then anyone else at the bar. “so, feel like it’d be rude not to ask your name.” He scans William again, “if I had to guess, it’s something sophisticated.”

“My name is William T. Spears.” William answers as he does each time he’s introduced himself.

The bartender whistles, “pretty formal about introductions huh?” He chuckles. “What’s the T stand for?”

“That is private information.”

“Ooo a secret hey? That’s okay, I’m good at prying lips apart.” He winks; Ronald grinds his teeth while William remained infuriatingly passive. “Call me John.”

“A pleasure to meet you then, John.” William nods.

“I gotta say, I like your mannerisms. Really makes for some good conversation.”

“I speak the same way my father had.”

“Then you must have grown up pretty well off, hey?”

“I’m afraid the monetary value my human self had is not up for discussion.”

John blinks. “Human…self?”

“Just how he refers to the him when he’s not workin’.” Ronald answers.

“Ah I get it. You take your job pretty seriously then, eh?”

“I must, else a demon could easily snatch away the souls we’re meant to collect.”

Ronald takes a moment to breathe in deep before breathing out through his nose. “Not even gonna try explaining that one.”

John just laughs it off. “You’re real interesting, you know that? Well William, I’ve never seen you here before. Are you new or have I just been blind?”

“Ronald frequents this place more then I do. I’ve only been here once before and that was to retrieve him.” William gestures to Ronald.

“Makes sense then because I know I would have remembered a guy like you.”

“Everyone usually does.” Says Ronald.

“Not entirely.” William contradicts. “I’ve been told I’m rather boring all things considered.”

“Boring? Listen to what you’ve been saying! I’m sure under this stiff exterior of yours is a real genuine guy.”

William quirks an eyebrow. “You believe so?”

“Of course! Look at you! All the mysterious, genuine men I’ve known all have your sort of stiffness.” He puts on hand on the counter top to lean on, gesturing with his other hand, “as I see it, you’ve got to really get to know someone before trying to get to the nitty gritty, yeah? Those are the kinds of people you have to treasure. To really make it known you’re not the type to just run if things get hard.”

William cants his head, Ronald freezing for a moment as William seems too interested in the conversation. “I believe it’s hard to find genuine people nowadays. Everyone seems obsessed with themselves rather than what trying to make real connections.”

“I’ve noticed that too! Me though? I’m not that kinda guy. I like looking for the real people to make those real connections and you’re striking me as the same.”

` “He’s got a real connection.” Ronald says, putting his hand on William’s arm. “Me.”

“Well, I’m sure but I think maybe he’d want someone older. Someone who’d really understand.” He winks and excuses himself as he departs to take a drink order from another patron giving Ronald time to process how all this flirting has gone over William’s head. He hates that it reminded him of when he tried asking William out the first time and how oblivious he was that it was an actual date. He assumed it was something along the lines of co-workers getting dinner together until Ronald tried to seal the end of said date with a small peck to William’s cheek and the man recoiled like he was struck. “He’s rather friendly, isn’t he?” William comments, finishing off his drink.

“Yeah. Friendly.”

William waves a dismissive hand. “You’re overreacting.”

Ronald doesn’t get to protest much more when John returns again, this time with a drink that’s familiar to Ronald while William looks cautiously at it when it’s slid over to him. “I know you said no hard drinks, but this is a classic.”

“What is it?” William asks, picking it up.

“A sex on the beach.” John says, crossing his arms on the countertop to lean on them. “It’s not overly strong and it’s sweet and fruity. I think you’d like it.”

“We also didn’t order it.” Ronald says, throwing his arm around William’s shoulders. “So, no thanks.”

“it’s on the house.” He replies, only briefly flicking his eyes toward Ronald.

“That won’t be necessary.” William objects. “If anything, put this on my own tab.”

“Nonsense.” John assures, reaching over to squeeze William’s hand. 

William retracts his hand with a twitch of his eyebrow, Ronald’s own arm growing tighter around William’s shoulders. “Well, I suppose a sip won’t hurt then.” William examines the sunset coloured drink before daring to take a small sip. “It’s…not awful.” He admits. “But it’s not to my taste.” He adds, setting the drink aside.

“I guess like its name.” John chuckles. “Not awful but not to my tastes either.”

“Mmhm. I’m sure.”

“Sorry, sorry.” He rubs the back of his neck, “been a long time since I’ve talked to someone as handsome as you.”

“I’m sure if you saw all the other options in dispatch, I would be at the bottom of the list.” William assures. “I’m rather plain.”

“Now that’s just not true! I’m sure of it.”

“He’s really bein’ modest.” Says Ronald, grabbing the back of William’s bicep. “He’s one of the more handsome guys we got.”

William glances at Ronald, “that’s a blatant li—”

“Truth.” Ronald cuts him off with a forced smile. “Blatant truth.” He stands up and wraps his arms around William’s chest from behind, resting his chin on William’s shoulder. “He just doesn’t have the ego like the rest of us.” He narrows his eyes at John. “By the way, I’m gonna make this clear. I’m his partner. Not just his companion, but his partner.” He turns William’s head and kisses him to prove his point. William freezes for only a second before his eyelids flutter shut and he returns the lip-lock.

When Ronald breaks the kiss, John raises his hands in surrender. “Okay, okay. I get it. I didn’t mean to step on anyone’s toes here.”

“That would be my doing as well.” William says once he’s cleared his throat, a bright pink high on his cheeks, “for I didn’t realise what exactly you were implying.”

“Yeah, well, maybe one day I’ll get lucky like that partner of yours.”

“Yeah. Maybe.” Ronald agrees just to be polite before paying for their drinks, satisfied as he and William take their leave for the evening. “So, had fun?” Ronald grins.

“I suppose I did.” William admits, looking up to the evening sky. “Though I’d be more content with some evening tea.”

“Then come back to mine and I’ll make it.” He takes William’s hand, holding it warmly as they begin the walk to Ronald’s. “Buuut I gotta ask.”

“Hm?”

There’s a pause before he asks, lifting William’s hand to run his finger over the older man’s knuckles, “you called me your lifetime companion.”

“I did.”

Ronald looks up at him. “And you meant that?”

William stops them to cup Ronald’s cheeks, holding Ronald’s face gently. For the second time that night, Ronald sees William’s genuine smile as his eyes soften, his guard completely and fully down. He’s the one that’s kissed this time, a far sweeter and softer kiss then before; Ronald melts into it, his hands clamping over William’s, keeping them pressed there. While it might not have been the answer he was expecting, it was an even better answer then he could have asked for.

[nonbinary-weirdo]

You want more Grelliam, SebaWill, RonWill, or UnderWill?

[spilledink-and-typewriters]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Chapters: 2/? Fandom: Kuroshitsuji | Black Butler Rating: Mature Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Grell Sutcliff/Undertaker, Sebastian Michaelis/William T. Spears, Claude Faustus/Sebastian Michaelis/William T. Spears, Alan Humphries/Eric Slingby, Ronald Knox/William T. Spears Characters: Alan Humphries (Kuroshitsuji), Eric Slingby, Sebastian Michaelis, Claude Faustus, Ronald Knox, William T. Spears, Grell Sutcliff Additional Tags: Ship, polyship, Polyamory, polyamorous, lots of ships, 50s au, 50s diner, Café, old fashioned cafe, Multiship, everyone fucks everyone, everyone is a slag, except alan and eric, and probably also grell and undertaker, but other than that everyone is a slag, Will is a virgin, was a virgin, claude gets decked in the face, ronald rides will like a goddamn horse, NSFW, i swear this is a serious fic, trust me - Freeform, like a virginnnnn touched for the very first timmeeee~, honey moon, married, uhhhhh relationships?, Angst, everyone needs a good diccin, Open Relationship, OT3, Yikes, Kuroshitsuji - Freeform, blackbutler, Anime, Manga, Demons, uhhh, Alternate Universe Summary:

It's the 1950's and William is the owner of Cafe Du Mort. Grell is a new hire there. Alan and Eric are hitched. Ronald is a slag, Sebastian is a slag, William is a slag, Claude is a slag, EVERYONE IS A SLAG!!!

Love triangles and angst and all kinds of other stuff!

----------------------------------------

Part 2 is finally out!! 

You can read part one here 

[elizaxspears]

I’m not sure if this counts as a prompt, but Will getting scolded by the brass for handing in paperwork late. The reason as to why? Ronald being a distraction. I hope this is useful 🫶

Thank you for the prompt! Hopefully this was somewhere around the mark!

He can’t say he ever expected to be called upon by the Board. When the letter was hand delivered to him by one of their messengers, his blood ran cold, but it wasn’t like he didn’t know why he was being summoned. One glance at his desk, he knew exactly what they wanted to speak to him about as the surface of said desk was a bit more cluttered than usual, with paperwork that should have been done yesterday. Yes, he could put the blame onto the one reaper who’s been helping keep him distracted but it took two to tango, so to speak. “William T. Spears. To think, we would need to summon you here for your late paperwork.”

William stands there, under the spotlight that’s the only thing illuminating the room. He needs an excuse, one that’ll help explain the situation without giving away he’s probably breaking one of their more important rules: do not bring your emotions into your work. “I understand, sirs, I do, but–”

“You best be honest with us Spears. We are in no mood to hear any excuses. You’ve been one of our more reliant reapers until recently and we are disappointed to see you fall off as much as you have. We may forgive you once but having it happen in one month is inexcusable.”

William nods, arms folded behind his back. “I understand.”

“Then speak. Tell us why you’ve fallen behind.”

Unfortunately for him, he cannot come up with a reason that would be believable. He could tell them he was overworked but that came with the position of the job. It would come off as complaining more than anything and that would go over even worse for him. “If you want me to be honest sirs, then I will tell you that I’ve been late on my paperwork because my time has been taken up by a fellow reaper.”

He feels the tension the moment he says those words and he forces himself to remain standing straight instead of wanting to leave. He already knows what they’re going to say but being the dedicated reaper that he is, he remains where he stands until the Board speaks up again, “we are disappointed in you, Spears. You used to pride yourself on being an exemplary reaper and now you’re telling us you’ve been late with your paperwork because you’re having relations with one of your co-workers. You. What were you thinking putting them before your work?”

“I wasn’t, sirs.”

“Very clearly.” There's another moment of silence. “There will be consequences, Spears. You’ll be put on overtime for the foreseeable future until we are certain you will no longer be late with your paperwork, are we clear?”

“Yes, sirs.”

“Then this meeting is adjourned. If we sense you slipping again Spears, we will call you back and your punishment will be even more severe.”

William holds his tongue and bows his head. “Of course, sirs. I will strive to prove I am still very capable of working to the best of my abilities.”

“Then dismissed.”

William bows to them before leaving the Boardroom, allowing the door to close behind him. He removes his glasses, rubbing the bridge of his nose. He knew there was going to be a risk to agreeing to this…whatever he had with Knox, he just needed to be more conscious of the time spent with him. “So, how’d it go?”

William turns his attention to Ronald who stands there with his hands nonchalantly in his pockets. “Well, I’ve been set with overtime until they deem me capable again.”

Ronald frowns.”Damn. Does that mean we gotta cut our time short?”

“For a bit, perhaps.”

He sets his glasses back on his nose, expecting to return to work and play catch up when Ronald has the audacity to cage him against the wall, leaning on one hand he has pressed next to William’s head while his other tuches William’s arm and he’s giving WIlliam that lady-killer smile, “maybe you can give somethin’ to hold me off for a bit?”

William rolls his eyes. “You’re incognerable.”

“Maybe.” he shrugs, his smile never fading. “Isn’t that one of the things you like about me?”

William eyes Ronald up and down then cups the younger reaper’s jaw, keeping their eyes locked. “Is it? I wasn’t aware I’d said that.”

“Don’t have to. You showed me.” he winks.

William rolls his eyes, fighting down a smile himself. “Honestly.” he glances around then leans in to give Ronald a peck on the cheek. “That is all you’re getting for now.”

“Aw really?”

“For now.” he pushes Ronald away. “Be good and do your own work and mayhaps you’ll be rewarded.”

Ronald laughs. “Okay, I guess I can do that.” he’s the one to slip his fingers around WIlliam’s tie and pulls him down into a proper kiss. “See you later, sir.”

William blinks as Ronald gives a wave and walks off, leaving him slightly stunned that Ronald had been so bold but he cannot say he disliked it. He touches his bottom lip before taking a deep breath and walking back to his office with the tiniest hint of a smile. Alright, maybe falling behind on his paperwork and being scolded by the Brass was worth it.

[elizaxspears]

Ronilliam: Under the Mistletoe

Just a little something I did for the season!

************

The holidays don’t have much meaning to a Grim Reaper. Death does not take a holiday meaning they work all year round but that doesn’t mean they don’t decide to make things at least, a little festive around this time of year. However cliche it is, they’ve hung up mistletoe above the break room door. It doesn’t accumulate all that much, those that do walk under it together, either coming in with the other or in passing the opposite way, mostly just spare a kiss on the cheek, unless you’re Eric who makes it a big deal about it whenever he’s able to catch Alan just walking underneath. The smaller reaper just rolls his eyes but he lets Eric indulge in his fun.

Ronald’s the second most popular under the mistletoe. He has no problem stealing a few kisses here and there, his reputation preceding him after all. He was charming and he knew it; a wink here, a smile there, it was obvious why most of dispatch was fond of him.

Unsurprisingly, the one reaper who blatantly avoids the mistletoe, is William. He does so every year, either waiting until the room is empty or slipping in sideways to make sure he doesn't step foot under it. The first couple of years when they started doing this, some reapers, including Grell, did try to catch him but even if he did forget it was there, it was very clear he was in no mood for a kiss.

What everyone doesn’t know, is that Ronald had been trying to get a kiss from William for a while now. Well, maybe not a kiss, but at least a date but the man was either oblivious, ignored him or both. Ronald assumes nothing would ever happen between them because why would it? William’s his superior and far older than he is, so if anyone would catch William’s affections, it’d be one of the older reapers who’d match William’s maturity.

He’s in the breakroom with Grell, going over their death lists together, wondering if they could squeeze in a few small breaks here and there when both their attention is drawn to William whose focus is on what he’s reading. Ronald just watches from afar, admiring the man he’s had a crush on for so long now, one he hopes was at least, a little bit of a secret. It’s not that he cared if someone knew, he just knew once something got out, it was bound to be twisted by gossip. “I am so sorry sir!”

Ronald blinks and he’s back in the present with Alan actually being the one to apologise. There’s papers strewn all over the floor now, so Ronald can only guess what happened and he knows everyone bets that he doesn’t look as angry as he usually would because it was Alan that ran into him. “It’s fine, Humphries but do watch where you’re going next time.” the older man sighs, crouching down to pick up the papers.

Right away, Ronald goes to help, collecting the papers William hasn’t yet, offering his superior his lady-killer smile. “Evenin’ sir! Heh, looks like it’s snowing inside hey?”

William looks unimpressed as he collects the offered papers from Ronald’s hands, standing back up. “Thank you Knox.”

“Yeah! No problem.” Ronald shrugs, shoving his hands into his pockets. “So, been busy today?”

“As it tends to be.”

“Well, if you ever need assistance, look no further.” he winks.

William arches an eyebrow. “Now I find that hard to believe.”

“Aw why? I promise I’m a good helper, swear up and down!”

“I’ll believe it when I–”

“Oi! That’s the longest you’ve stood under that in a bit!”

Both their attention swaps to Eric who’s now sitting with Alan and Grell. William then looks up, recalling that yes, they’re standing under mistletoe. “Ah. Right.”

“It’d be a shame to just stand there and do nothing, wouldn’t it?” Grell prods, trawling a lock of hair around her finger.

“I’m sure it wouldn’t hurt.” Alan agrees, with a knowing smile.

Ronald blinks then looks back at William, realising this was somehow planned. He swallows and rubs the back of his head, “I mean, they got a point.”

William now looks down to Ronald, clutching tighter to the papers he’s holding. He searches Ronald’s face before glancing away and pushing up his glasses, “ridiculous.” he mutters, already beginning to walk away. “Knox, I’d like to see you in my office after our shift.”

Ronald feels his heart drop to his stomach as William continues walking away. “Yeah. Okay sir.” he says despite William being unable to hear him. Instead, he dejectedly walks back to his friends. “Well, you guys tried, so, thanks.”

“I’m sorry Ronnie.” Grell says, stroking her fingers through Ronald’s hair.

“It was worth a shot.” Alan agrees.

“But now he wants to see me in his office which we all know only ends poorly.” Ronald groans.

“Ah I wouldn’t worry too much.” says Eric, crossing his arms behind his head.

Ronald doesn’t hold out much hope, so when the set time comes, and he has to go to William’s office, he’s got an apology ready on his tongue. When he’s granted access, William’s standing by the window behind his desk, watching the gently falling snow and twinkling lights of the stars. “You wanted to see me, sir?”

William turns around then ushers Ronald toward him. “It’s a lovely night, isn’t it?” he asks when Ronald’s now standing next to him.

“Yeah. The snow always makes things really pretty.”

“Indeed it does.”

For a bit, there’s nothing said between them as they stand to watch the multitude of snowflakes falling from the sky. It’s not until Ronald’s unease gets the best of him that he asks, “I don’t wanna sound, I dunno, pushy or anything, but, why’d you call me to your office, sir?”

William finally turns to Ronald and grabs both his hands, holding them firmly. “I wanted you here to tell you, that I do no not mistletoe as an excuse to kiss you.” Ronald’s eyes fly wide as William actually leans down and kisses him. The other reaper’s lips are soft and the kiss is a little hesitant and clearly he’s reading Ronald’s stunned reaction wrong as he starts pulling away. He wiggles his hands from William’s and grasps the lapels of the older reaper’s blazer, yanking him back into the kiss. The startle sound he hears William make is satisfying and he can’t help but smile into the kiss.

As they mutually begin to part, Ronald doesn’t let William go. He’s smiling even wider at his superior and in turn, he gets a soft, genuine smile from William. “So…does that mean you like me?” he asks.

“Must I answer?”

“Yeah. I wanna hear it.”

William sighs, his own cheeks a bright pink, “I…like you, Ronald. I have for some time now.”

“But my flirty went right over your head.”

“I am not that dense, thank you.” William rolls his eyes. “I was just, usure if you were being genuine. I know some like to pretend they have an interest in order to get something from me.”

Ronald reaches up and cups William’s cheek, “well, I promise sir. That’s not why I was doin’ it. I genuinely like you too.”

William presses Ronald’s hand closer to his cheek, closing his eyes. “It’s…it’s very gratifying to hear that.”

Ronald slips his hand from William’s cheek to wrap his arms around William’s waist, pressing himself against the other reaper. “Good.”

William’s arms are warm as they wrap around him in turn, holding tight against his body. They continue to watch the snow, Ronald snuggling even closer. “I should thank the others.”

“Thank them?”

“They’re the ones who tried to set up our mistletoe moment. I mean, Alan was the one who ran into you.”

“Ah. I had a feeling that was on purpose as that wasn’t like him to run into someone.”

“Yep.” he looks up at William again. “I know we don’t usually do anything for the holidays, but, can I spend them with you?”

William chuckles, holding Ronald just that little bit closer. “Of course. I was hoping you would.”

[elizaxspears]

A Ring for You

A little Ronilliam thing I had in mind and wanted to get out. Just fluff, that is all

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There’s nothing about today that would make it any different from any other day. It continues on normally; the paperwork and collections all run of the mill. There was nothing special about today, not a single thing, except for the fact that Ronald wants to ask his very important boyfriend of many decades a very important question that will change all these mundane days into special ones. It’s just, how would William react? Finally getting a date with the boss took months and getting William comfortable around him took even longer. He’s scared that if he does do this, does ask this question, it’d ruin what they’ve built up over all this time.

His distress is obvious, Eric makes that much clear as he leans against Ronald’s desk during their designated break. “Yeah? Can tell somethin’s wrong?”

“Aye.”

Ronald sighs, pillowing his cheek on his folded arms that rest on the desks surface. “Well, nothing’s really wrong, I guess. I just…got a lotta thinkin’ t’ do.”

“Thinking about wha’?”

Ronald debates with himself if he wants to tell Eric about his plans but Eric’s his best mate for a reason. So he sits up and removed the ring from his pocket, putting on the desk in Eric’s view. “This.”

Eric looks at the ring like he’s not sure what it is before picking it up between his forefinger and thumb; examining it. “A ring?”

“Yeah.”

It takes him a bit longer then Ronald expected for it to click and when it does, Eric’s eyes snap up back to meet his. “Yer serious? Yer gonna ask Spears tae…?”

“Gonna try. Maybe? I dunno Eric. Would I be stupid if I did? Ruin a good thing?”

Eric looks back at the ring; it’s nothing fancy because Ronald knows William’s not that type of man. It’s a simple silver band that has three small black diamonds encrusted into the top of it. It’s simple but Ronald knows, if William did say yes, he’d appreciate the simplicity. “I think, ye should go fer it. Ye two ‘ave been goin’ out fer a long time at this point an’ if Spears isn’t gettin’ rid o’ ye now, I doubt ‘e ever will. Lad looks comfortable with someone. It’s not somethin’ I thought I’d see an’ ye’ve been good fer Spears.”

“I really have? Not just sayin’ that to calm me down?”

Eric grins, tossing the ring back to Ronald who catches it easily in his palm. “‘m not blowin’ smoke up yer arse, no. Ye’ve been good fer him, Ron. If yer ready tae take it tae the next level, I bet ‘e is too.”

Ronald stares at the ring in his palm, the silver contrasting against the black of his glove. He’s nervous, of course he is, but Eric’s also right. William hasn’t let him go, hasn’t tried avoiding him or cutting him out so whatever love the older man still has for him must still be there. “Yeah. Okay, yeah. I’m gonna.” he stands.

Eric cocks an eyebrow as Ronald heads for the door. “Now? Dun ye wanna wait fer a more romantic setting?”

Ronald shrugs whilst he smiles. “I’m doin’ it now before I loose the nerve.”

“Ah. Well, fair enough.” Eric agrees with his own smile and a wave of his hand.

Ronald leaves his office with the ring held tightly in his palm. He’s dead set on going to William’s office, only to nearly run into the man who’s coming down the stairs as he bolts up them. “Senpai!” he gasps out, tittering back on the step he’s on.

“Knox, where are you going in such a hurry?” the man asks, grabbing Ronald’s shoulder and pulling him forward so he doesn’t fall down the stairs.

“Ah, well, um…” he puts his hand on William’s still on his shoulder. Those eyes hasn’t gotten to him since the days their relationship was fresh. Now, they’re still that ice cold but Ronald can see the concern mixed with curiosity behind the frozen eyes. “I was gonna come see you, actually.”

“Were you?”

“Yeah. Ah, my break, so was kinda hopin’ I could spend it with you!” he smiles brightly, casually slipping his hands into his pockets and dropping the ring safely back in it.

William’s lips twitch into that familiar frown. “I’m sorry Knox, but I have business to attend to.”

Ronald can’t help his shoulders deflating. “Yeah, ‘course! You’re the boss and all.”

William smoothes his hand up Ronald’s neck and cups his cheek, soothing his thumb under Ronald’s eye. He knows it’s because they’re less likely to be caught here, near the top floor of the building that William allows these touches so freely. “You will see me tonight love.”

“Yeah…I know.” Ronald knows, that William knows, that they both hate leaving things when it’s like this; stuck between disappointment and regret for needing to brush Ronald off but, today was going to be a special day. Hopefully. Ronald doesn’t want any part of this day to be tainted by this regret. “I can’t wait.” he smiles brightly, leaning up to kiss William’s cheek. “Be missin’ ya ‘till then.”

William blinks at Ronald’s suddenly mood shift and that, thankfully, has lifted William’s mood a bit as well. “As will I, darling.” With a kiss of his own to Ronald’s cheek, the blonde steps aside, watching William decent the sitars until he’s disappeared to the next floor. Maybe it’s wishful thinking, but he continues his way to William’s office and lets himself in. Of course the room is as spotless and clean as it always is. That’s something about William that will never change and it’s something Ronald never wants to change. It’s comforting to come back to a place, even just an office, that’s free of clutter; that’s organized and well looked after.

Ronald sighs and takes a seat in William’s chair, spinning right and left as he waits for William to come back, he hopes, before his break ends. Taking a glance at the clock, he sees he’s got at least twenty minutes to kill before he needs to leave.

With only ten minutes to spare, William walks back through his office door with his attention on the open folder he holds. “Hey.” Ronald greets.

William looks up just as the door closes behind him. “Ronald, afternoon. I wasn’t expecting you to be here.”

“I wanted t’ maybe see if I could have some time with ya.” he stands, going to William and giving him a proper kiss now that they’re behind closed doors.

William closes the folder to hold it under his arm and use his now free hand to smooth back Ronald’s bangs. “Well, suppose it’s a lucky day then.”

“Yeah, I think it is. Think it’s gonna be a real good day.”

“Oh? Have any plans to make it such a good day?”

Ronald opens his mouth but no words come out. William’s looking at him with those rare soft eyes and even rarer and softer smile that it has him frozen where he stands. Right now, looking at William like this, it solidifies the fact that he wants to ask this man his question. “Ronald? Are you alright?”

“Yeah…yeah. Ah, was just gonna ask you…somethin’…”

“And that is?” Ronald’s never been this nervous about something before. Even when he asked William out on their first date, he was confident yet now… “Well, I’m sure you’ll recall eventually.” William says when Ronald doesn’t say anything. He goes to his desk and sits down, placing the folder across it to continue flipping through the papers inside.

Ronald, for once, really is at a loss for words. It’s not like he had this proposal planned out when he got the ring, he just knew he was going to ask. In his head, it wasn’t this difficult and it’s not like he’s really making it easier as he stands here, awkwardly. “If you’re just going to stand there Ronald, might I ask you leave and come to see me again later? I do have work I—”

It’s not at all how he wanted to ask, but it bursts out before he can stop it: “Will you marry me?”

William doesn’t react. At first. Almost like he hadn’t heard him. But, as he flipped another page, he pauses. He stares down at the papers he’s meant to be reading then slowly lifts his head, unusual surprise held in those green orbs. “Did you just ask me what I think you did?”

Ronald takes a deep breath and comes up to William and spins the chair to face him. He’s got his hands on the arms of the chair, staring William dead in the eyes because it’s now or never. “I did. I know y’ never been the type for romance, so I wanted to try makin’ it as clean cut as I could but askin’ you this, it’s…not easy.” he gets down to a knee, taking William’s hands. “It’s not easy because I don’t wanna lose you. We’ve had so many good years and I didn’t wanna ruin what we have because I wanted to take things a step too far, but, I’ve never felt like this with anyone. Alive or dead. Y’ make me feel safe in a relationship and that’s somethin’ I never had. I always worried about this and that but with you, it’s so easy. Maybe it wasn’t at first, but y’ let me get t’ know the William under the Mr. Spears suit you wear t’ work everyday and I was able to open up a part of me I’ve never been able to show any one before. Y’ mean so much to me, William, so much. I know, maybe, you don’t believe me, or y’ think I’m joking, but I’m not. You mean a lot to mean, so much so that…that I never wanna lose you.” he lets one of William’s hands go and reaches into his pocket, producing the ring. He’s shaking as he keeps their eyes locked, his throat growing dry as he asks the question properly this time. “Will you marry me, William?”

William’s face is blank. There’s no emotion on it at all. He stares at Ronald like he’s only a soul, like he’s part of their job. It’s the same expressionless face that had drawn Ronald to William all those years ago and now it’s being displayed again, at a time when Ronald is near pleading to have some emotion. He doesn’t get that far. Instead, William’s eyes flick down to the ring he holds in his still trembling hands. He pulls his other hand free from Ronald’s and peels off his left glove where it falls to his lap. He takes the ring from Ronald’s hand and slides it over his ring finger and that breaks the spell. The mask breaks and suddenly, William’s eyes water a bit and his lips crack into a smile as he admires the ring. “Oh Ronald.”

Ronald swallows, his own eyes watering as well. “That a yes?”

William smiles down at him with amusement clear on his face. “Of course.”

Tears slip down his cheeks as he stands, leaning over William for a kiss, a kiss William eagerly returns. One arm slides around Ronald’s neck, his other hand, his ring hand, finds Ronald’s to intertwine their fingers. Not once had he expected to find someone like Ronald and even when he had, not once had he expected Ronald to stay. Now, he’s getting more than just a couple more years. Now, he’s getting eternity with the man he’s loved for so long; the man that’s made what used to be a pitiful afterlife worth living.

[thiefkingyall]

Reaperzine, 2023 - RonWill

Daisies - unspoken, deep appreciation. Baby's Breath - eternal devotion, gratefulness, trust. Tulips - adoration, forgiveness, patience.

The @reaperzine is coming soon~!!