This story is rated M for talk of death, mild violence, swearing and maybe lemons.

Prologue

It was quiet. Silent as the grave, yes that was his favorite expression to describe his shop this time of night. Hurriedly and with much glee, he examined the corpses in his care. Oh, so much work to do and so little time. Yet, each and every one of his new 'friends' would not leave his shop until they'd been given the proper treatment. His eyes glittered with excitement. Quickly he got to work, however he was soon interrupted when the front door of his shop opened and then closed.

'Perhaps it's another client.' He thought as he left the back room of his funeral parlor. Hastily, he made his way to the front of his shop. Suddenly he paused, there was a presence there, it was familiar yet different. It was the same kind of presence he felt when Sebastian, butler to the Phantomhives came into his parlor. Yet this was different, more feminine and wild. He paused when he entered the front entrance, only to find no one stood there. His usual peculiar grin formed.

"You'll have to be stealthier than that to sneak up on me, my dear." He turned to find woman. Her hair was chestnut in color that rested just below her shoulders. Her eyes were a golden red. Her lips were pressed tightly together, her eyes pierced into his. However, her demeanor slightly changed after a few short moments of silence.

"Salutations." She greeted. "I am called Marguerite. Are you the undertaker?" They were a good two feet away from each other, thought neither let their guard down. Her gaze shifted. Coffins surrounded them, mocking yet almost beckoning her to welcome her eternal sleep. Her red eyes turned back towards the white haired man, a long Cheshire cat-like smile lingered on his lips.

"I am. I must admit, it's rare for a demon to approach me." The undertaker spoke with a menacing giggle. "Tell me, why are you here?"

"I need to find someone." The red-eyed woman replied. "I was told you were the person to talk to."

"That depends." He let out another menacing giggle. "Do you seek the living or the dead?"

"Neither. He is like me. A demon. He has dark hair and crimson eyes. He is tall and very slender. I have no confirmation of his current identity but I believe he is being called Sebastian Michaelis."

"Tell me why would you be seeking good ol' Sebastian out?" He asked. There was something different about this demon. It took him only a minute to realize what it was, precisely. "Is he an old friend of yours?"

"Something of that sort." She replied. "He's my mate."

"If you're his mate, why would he not tell you where he is?" Undertaker asked as he took a step closer to her. What a fragile little demon. This was a rare find.

"Our relationship does not work that way. As you know, demons only take one mate, though we aren't necessarily monogamous creatures. Mates rarely see each other outside of mating season. However, some things have changed. I must find him." She replied, only to be met with a loud, hysterical laughter. Oh, he knew so much more than that by simply observing her. She took a step back but then resumed her solid and collected form.

"Tell me about this change. What would cause an immortal being, a demon such as yourself, to become mortal?" Undertaker quizzed, though he already had his suspicions. "More importantly, what did you do to bring about your own death?" Her eyes widened, how did he know? Was her body already that frail? However, she quickly regained her composure. She would not appear weak, especially in front of a reaper. Even if he was a retired one.

"That is my concern." She glared. "Know it has nothing to do with you." Another small laugh filled the air. Such spunk, this one had.

"Do you think he can save you from your pending mortality?" He began to mock. He noticed her fear, though she hid it well. "Do you think he can prevent your death? Do you seek a true love's kiss, perhaps?"

"Only a child would believe such foolishness. There has never been nor will there ever be love between Sebastian and I. As demons, we are not capable of such useless emotions. Nor am I in need of a savior. You should know this." Marguerite scoffed. "I know what you are. I've heard of your legacy. I suspect I have a year, perhaps a little bit longer left to roam this forsaken human land. When the time comes, I want you to ensure my demise. I want you to reap my soul."

"Ah-ah-ah." The undertaker shook his pointer finger back and forth. "If you even have a soul, you mean. There is more to why you sough me out. You want to know that, right? If you have a soul? If you do, what will happen to it once your physical form has perished? It's not like heaven is an option nor does it seem like hell is one either. You're in quite the unique situation. You may fool others with your calm, strong facade, my dear. However, it would take quite a bit more cunning to fool me. Even so, I'm retired, so no harvesting souls for me."

"Yes, you are right. I do seek those answers." She acknowledged with a small scowl. It would be best to be honest with him. Though she found she hated how easily it was for him to read her. "Do you know the answers?"

"Yes."

"Will you tell me? Will you tell me where Sebastian is?"

"Perhaps but there is the matter of payment. What shall my prize be if I tell you where he is?" He asked as he took a step towards her. "What shall my reward be, if I answer your questions?" Normally, he desired laughter however that was not the case this time. There was only one reward he would accept. They both knew this. Another giggle left the grim reaper's lips. How delightful this proposition was turning out to be.

"After you have given me your assistance, once I croak, you may have my body. Do with it as you please. It's not like I'll have use for it." She offered. Her face emotionless. Excited, yet calmly the undertaker clapped his hands together. Charming, this was simply charming. She wasn't particularly pretty. Her face was plain and pale but he could change that once she was a goner. The body of a mortalized demon was a rare treasure to be had. What a perfect addition to his collection of rarities. Yes! Yes! This was perfect.

"Very well." His wide grinned lips said, "You have yourself a deal, Marguerite. You shall find your husband in the service of Ciel Phantomhive."

~Author's Note~

Hi everyone! Thank you for checking out my new story. It's my first story for this particular fandom. It seemed like a decent enough idea, so I figured I give it a go.

Just a couple of notes before we get to the next chapter, I am not a professional writer. I will and do make mistakes in my writing. I try to filter them out, as best I can but I don't always catch them until after the chapter has been published. You're more than welcome to point it out so I can get it fixed as quickly as possible. Also, I love constructive criticism. So if there's something you think could improve feel free to let me know that too. Also, note I'm not a Black Butler expert. i'm just a girl who loves the show.

Thanks again for checking out my story! Feel free to leave a review if you have a moment and are so inclined to do so. Constructive criticism is always welcome. Thanks again!-Lin

Disclaimer: I do not own Black Butler, Sebastian, Ciel, Undertaker or any other of the original cannon characters. Nor am I making any money off this story. It's written purely for fun.