That Fateful Evening: Grell Sutcliff x FEM! Reader

Goodbyes

The familiar scent of the salty ocean greeted you as you arrived at the docks, where a grand ship awaited passengers. However, you weren't the one leaving; it was Alea. It had been around two weeks since that whole argument, and even though you were still somewhat irritated, you arrived at the docks to wish your best friend a formal farewell. With Grell staying in the coach, you have her a hesitant look before exiting, to which she raised an eyebrow.

"Is something the matter?" She asked, setting down the book into her lap.

"It's just nerving, that's all." You replied. 

The redhead sighed and gave you a look of both sympathy and pity then patted your shoulder. 

"Aren't you a succubus? You know, the types of demons that are commonly referred to as clever and prideful." 

"Yes, but-" 

"Go say goodbye before it's too late, or I'll force you to. I would hate to see my favorite demon cry." 

"Isn't Sebastian your favorite demon?" 

She smirked and grinned.

"Who really knows?" 

You nodded and mustered up your courage, stepping out of the carriage with the assistance of Hudson. It had been seemingly years since you even acknowledged the dock. Sure, whenever you were going to meetings with kings and wealthy business owners, you stared at the ocean, but never the dock. For a peculiar reason, both water and fire were calming to the sight, for you at least. 

Well, there were exceptions, of course. 

You clutched your dress sleeve as you briskly headed towards the ship where Alea was expected to board. People paid no mind to you as you looked for your friend, as they were watching dozens of people boarding the ship, all the while cheering. A few minutes of this passed before you were finally able to push yourself through the crowd, and your eyes widened at the sight in front of you. Alea was standing was standing on the dock, about to embark on her journey. She didn't seem to notice as you stood in the front, and only did so when she saw you preparing yourself, like a socially awkward blob. 

"Y/n..?" She greeted, gently gripping your arm.

"Hi.." You replied, averting your eyes. The crowd started to disperse and head to wherever they were heading, which only added to your anxiety. "Listen-" 

You were immediately engulfed in an embrace, which made you follow suit and embrace her as well. Neither of you said anything as you hugged each-other, but both of you could tell you missed each-other immensely. A few moments passed of this before Alea broke the silence. 

"God, I'm so glad you came. Joseph was trying to convince me not to come to your manor and immediately give you a hug." 

You laughed and pulled away, a smile lining your lips.

"I wouldn't have minded whatsoever. And I'm sorry for snapping at you. I've just been so, so, stressed, and disheveled, and everything else under the sun. I know that's more of an excuse than an apology, especially to a friend that's worth a lifetime, but I hope you can forgive me." 

Alea's eyes were now filled to the brim with tears of joy. She had always been this emotional, and it came as no surprise for her to start laughing as she wiped her tears away. While you patiently waited for her to calm herself, your eyes landed on her husband, who was smiling at the sight. However, it seemed off in some sort of way. It seemed somewhat fake, and even though he was on the ship, watching from the ledge, you could tell his eyes were telling a different story. 

Alea's sniffles brought you back to reality, and the smile she gave you made you push back your suspicions. 

"Alea, we need to go!" Her husband, Joseph, shouted from the ship. A hesitant yet courageous expression from her made you step away, gesturing to the ship.

"I wish you the best of luck, Alea." 

She smiled and bowed, making you give a sad smile as she finally boarded the ship. While the ship as pulling out of the dock, however, Alea shouted at the top of her lungs: 

"I promise to come and visit! I wish you the best of luck as well, Y/n!" 

Before you knew it, stars had blanketed the sky, and the ship was long gone. You, still melancholy about the whole thing, trudged back to the carriage, where Grell gave you a curious look. 

"Dear, that took you around an hour. And I thought you were stone-cold with no emotions." She said, picking up the book once more and flipping through the beginning of the chapter. Her emerald eyes were both comforting and exhausted, which urged you to get into the carriage briskly with the help of Hudson. 

The familiar red velvet seats immediately made you feel more comfortable. Maybe it was that you had settled your dispute with your life-long friend, or maybe it was that you now shared a home with someone else you could turn to, but it was needed. And it seemed Grell had picked up on your now relaxed and seemingly tired manner, as she wrapped her coat around you, then scooted closer, allowing you to rest your head on her shoulder. 

And even as unexpected as it was for Grell, you leaned into her shoulder, silently reading the book along with the obnoxious reaper. The ride back to the manor remained silent, but you could tell the both of you enjoyed the silence. There had been so much going on, and sometimes, it's nice to relax and indulge yourself in silence, with only your thoughts taking the lead.  

It only took approximately forty-five minutes for the carriage to arrive home, but as you were to leave, Grell's sleeping form prevented you from doing so, which resulted in you quickly drifting off.  You ended up finding yourself in your bed the next morning, with a note on your nightstand reading, "You're going to have to make it up for drooling on my outfit, dearie!"