Green Eyes and Cat Ears: A Kuroshitsuji fan-fiction.
Synopsis: While on the run from the brutal men that killed her parents, a young woman, Ellia, prays for an angel to rescue her from certain death. What she gets in return, though, is an attractive demon she finds herself guiltily drawn to.
To be safe, I'm rating this M for future chapters, as I do not know for sure what twists and turns this story will take.
Author's Note: Kuroshitsuji is property of Yana Toboso. Also, I am not an expert writer, so don't expect this story to be perfectly written.
Chapter Four: Temperature
When Ellia's eyes opened and her senses returned to her, her first thought was of how cold it was.
She looked down and realized she was still in her red lingerie. Oh God, she thought, now in a panic. She tried to move but noticed with horror that she was tied to a chair. Her arms were bound to the sides, and her back was kept against the wooden backing with rope around her waist. It was tied painfully tight. She struggled all she could but did not succeed in getting free.
The room Ellia was in was dim. She could see the faint outline of furniture, but other than that there wasn't anything she could use to identify any place she'd been to before. On the wall opposite her, there was a window that was open just a bit, enough for a small breeze but probably thick enough to muffle sounds.
"Hello?" she called out. A few seconds passed and the door to the room opened. Light flooded in for only a moment, then disappeared when the door was closed. And locked.
"You're finally awake?" a man replied. She could hear the stranger approaching her chair, each step making her fear rise.
"Who are you?" she asked, muscles tensing as she sat still, wanting to carefully take in the sound of his voice.
"You know exactly who I am, you evasive little bitch," he snapped, standing in front of her now.
Ellia was silent. She definitely didn't recognize his voice. And she couldn't see his face in the darkness, either.
Noticing her lack of response, he leaned down and kissed her, taking her by complete surprise. She would've pushed him away, but the rope made it impossible.
He pulled away and smirked. Even with him so close, she could only make out darker hair and light eyes. Maybe blue? His clothes were dark, too.
Needless to say Ellia did not recognize him any faster through the kiss. Her mind was blank. "I don't know you," she said quietly, afraid she would receive some sort of punishment for her answer.
The man pulled something from his pocket, Ellia guessed by the sounds she heard. A moment later he grasped her chin and said simply, "Open."
Ellia's mind raced at the thought of what he was going to give her. But, not wanting to anger her captor anymore than he probably already was, she obeyed, opening her mouth just a bit.
He smiled in the dark. "Good. Maybe this will jog your memory a bit." He placed something cold on her tongue and waited. Ellia closed her mouth and cautiously felt the object, moving it around a little as she tried to figure out what it was. It didn't take long.
Two seconds later she spit it out quickly, hearing the sound of metal echo on the hard floor. It had been a bullet.
"Mr. Darbren," she said, fear in her voice. Tears came to her eyes then. She was in the same room as the bastard who sent men out to kill her parents. Being almost completely naked didn't help the situation, either.
"Your father must've said some pretty unkind things about me for you to know me only by my reputation," he said. "It's a shame you've judged me before getting to know me, Ellia." He sounded nice, but Ellia knew something was wrong.
Something stung her cheek suddenly, and she realized he'd slapped her. Hard.
She winced, eyes watering, and tried her hardest to see his face through the darkness, but couldn't. "What do you want from me?" she asked.
"I'm giving you the chance to get to know me," he said silkily, leaning down to eye level with her. She had been right, his eyes were blue. She felt a rough hand come into contact with her injured cheek, and instantly flinched away. Mr. Darbren chuckled at this, and proceeded to caress her skin gently, speaking softly now.
"It wasn't overly difficult to find you, you know. There is a matter that's been bothering me, though. You somehow killed three of my men, and I'd like to know how you did it."
Ellia's breath caught in her throat. SHE hadn't killed them, Sebastian did. But she wasn't about to sell him out to this monster.
"I took my father's gun with me when I left," she said, meeting his focused gaze as she spoke.
The man smirked. "You're a lying bitch. Unlucky too, since I have no sympathy for your situation. I don't know who you planned on trying to impress with that skimpy little number, but he won't ever see it. Not when I'm done with you. In fact, it'll be a miracle if they ever find your corpse." He paused, seeing the look on her face, then smiled darkly. "Don't worry, though. I'll save the real pain until after I'm finished fucking you."
Ellia didn't respond. She was trying to comprehend mentally what her implied torture was going to be like. And then she saw it. A knife.
Her captor cut the ropes binding her and pulled her to her feet roughly, turning her a little so she was facing the door. She still couldn't clearly see his face, but she did see a scar across his right eye. It was a deep, jagged line.
The man seemed impatient, as if he were waiting for her to move. "There's a bed behind you. Get on it," he ordered, still holding the knife.
And that was when Ellia's body decided to spring to life. She was NOT going to let this man do whatever he pleased with her, it was repulsive and immoral! Ellia knew she was shy but she wasn't helpless. Thoughts of this man's – no, beast's – hands on her caused her body to grow warm with anger. Adrenaline rushed through her veins, and her only clear, constant thought was, Fight or die.
Without a word she swung her leg up to kick him between his own, but he stopped her by grabbing her ankle. He twisted it, causing her to fall to the floor faster than she could register. Immediately she turned her body around, watching for the faint gleam of the knife. He swung it down but she rolled to her right, quickly getting to her feet.
Ellia lashed out towards his face and slapped him, at the same time leaving lines of blood from her nails. He snarled something she didn't really hear and lunged at her, cutting deep into her shoulder and dragging the blade toward her chest.
She yelped from the sudden flash of pain but managed to shove him backwards, her body still supplying her the needed energy to fight for her life. When he stumbled back Ellia threw him the hardest punch she could with her good arm, trying to avoid using her injured left one.
Mr. Darbren collapsed onto one knee momentarily, seeming surprised the woman could fight so well. He felt blood trickle down his mouth and chin from his most-likely-broken nose and looked up at her, feeling nothing less than rage.
Before he could get back up, though, Ellia steadied herself and kicked him across the face with all her strength. Then she kicked him again with her other foot, then landed a hit on his shoulder, stomach, and face again. It was hard to tell where she was aiming, but she kept at it, anyway. When she realized her body was slowing down, Ellia looked at what she'd done, seeing a small pool of blood accumulating beneath him and his skin already forming bruises. In her self-defense she'd knocked the knife from his hands, which was laying beside him a few feet away.
She didn't pick it up, though. The man was still breathing, she could tell, but Ellia Cross was not a murderer. Giving his unconscious body a hateful look, she straightened out what little clothing she had on and made her way outside. Luckily there had been no one else in the building.
It was still the middle of the night. The moon was closer to the horizon now but it was still late. There was a forest nearby, but no houses. The land was barren except for the tall grasses in the field she was surrounded by. She looked around, trying to figure out where she was, exactly, when she spotted a black cat. The cat approached her and meowed upon reaching her. Ellia looked down at the creature and smiled. "Hello, little cat," she greeted.
The cat stared at her for a moment before turning around and walking a little ways. It stopped, looking at Ellia expectantly. The woman decided to follow the animal, since she had no idea where she was or which way she should've been going, anyway.
"I'll reach a town eventually if I follow you, I'm sure," she said, running her fingers through her hair. Her heart, beating hard and fast, was still in the process of calming down from her fight, but she tried her best to look normal. This was difficult since she was wearing lingerie outside at the most inconvenient hour, following a random cat that had stumbled upon her. She prayed she didn't run into anyone, since she wouldn't know exactly how to explain her situation without sounding a bit mental.
Her night improved ten-fold, though, when the cat ended up leading her back to the Phantomhive mansion. She went to the door and found it unlocked. Happy to be back home, she turned and looked down to thank her guide. "Thanks so much, little cat-"
The animal was gone, vanished without a trace or sound. She looked around to see where it had run off to, but saw nothing. Then she remembered the gash on her shoulder that was still bleeding a good deal. Ellia rushed through the doorway and shut the front door behind her. She'd moved too fast, though, for she began to feel incredibly dizzy. The woman did feel lucky, though, that her adrenaline rush lasted her the long walk home.
She collapsed to her hands and knees, breathing erratically from her world spinning before her eyes. She then felt something furry nuzzle her ankle. She looked over and saw Gatlin. The woman smiled and passed out, oblivious to the butler that had just then entered the room carrying a candle-light.
Ellia awoke about nine hours later, her shoulder and part of her chest where the blade had made contact wrapped in bandages. She noticed her ankle was sore, from when her captor had twisted it. Other parts of her limbs and sides were still aching a little as well from her time being tied up as well as on the floor. Covering her patched-up body was a thin white dress.
Ellia looked around the room and saw it was morning now, relieved to see the sunlight coming in through the windows. She heard the doorknob turn and watched as Maylene walked in.
The maid walked to the bed Ellia was in and greeted her with a smile. "You're awake. How're you feeling?"
"I'm okay. Still achy, though." A sudden flashback of the previous night came to mind. Ellia blushed, glancing down at the white dress.
"Maylene, um...where are my...other clothes?" she asked.
"In the wash," she said simply, seeing the look on her face. "What happened to you last night?"
Ellia sighed tiredly. "I'll explain later so I don't have to say it twenty times whenever someone asks."
Maylene nodded. "Alright. Oh, by the way, someone's been waiting for you."
Ellia gave her a questioning expression which quickly turned into joy as she saw the maid lift Gatlin from the floor. "You probably hadn't noticed, but she was sitting by your bed, and has been since you were put in here to recover. She wouldn't even eat."
Upon being set on the bed next to her owner, Gatlin meowed happily and nuzzled her arm, purring.
"Aww, you've been waiting for me that long?" Ellia said, petting her white-furred companion with a smile. "You're such a good cat."
Maylene suggested Ellia rest a while longer, and volunteered to take Gatlin to the kitchen to get her some food. Ellia agreed, glad she had someone so kind, albeit a bit clumsy, looking after her.
After taking most of the day to rest, Ellia left the "recovery room" in early evening. She was soon summoned to Ciel's study, where the others in the house were waiting. This included not only Sebastian but the servants, as well. Unfortunately she couldn't bring Gatlin along, because Ciel was allergic to cats. Standing in front of everyone, she felt somewhat empty without her pet.
Though embarrassed throughout telling her tale, she relayed what had happened to her in careful detail. Ciel didn't seem phased but the servants looked surprised. When Ellia mentioned Gatlin leaving her, Finny was quick to point out the fact the white cat had sought him out while in the gardens outside, meowing like crazy.
"We knew something was up, and it didn't take long to realize you'd gone missing," Bard said. "We didn't have any idea where anyone would've taken you, though. It's a good thing you fought like you did."
Ellia smiled sheepishly. "Well, I'm not sure how I managed. I think it was a one-time thing. I've never had to do anything like that before."
When, during her story, Ellia closed by mentioning the mysterious black cat that had led her home, no one really knew what to say. The servants looked confused, and Ciel didn't say anything. Sebastian had a small smirk on his face, though Ellia had not the slightest idea why.
Finally the pressing question arose, asked by Ciel when she'd finished speaking. "Why didn't you kill him?"
Ellia hesitated, and for some reason, facing this mature child, she now felt bad. She felt bad that she hadn't killed him. But why? He'd almost succeeded in raping and killing her, and in the end she did little more than knock him out long enough to escape. "I'm sorry," she said, "I just couldn't. I wouldn't have felt right about it."
Ciel glanced at Sebastian then back to her. "I think it's best you share a room with someone for a while. I hadn't thought someone would be able to ambush you so easily here, but since we know you're being targeted, you won't be sleeping alone, not until..." He stopped then, reconsidering what he was going to say. "Never mind. It can wait until you're healed. For now, you'll be assigned to Maylene's room."
Ellia's first thought was, Why the maid? But she didn't know her like Ciel did. Maylene, though she gave off the image of a clumsy, accident-prone servant, was actually a skilled gunner who was trusted with protecting the mansion (and Master Ciel) if needed. Bard and Finny were also given this responsibility.
Even without knowledge of the woman's hidden talents, Ellia nodded in agreement, feeling happy that the Master of the house, who she only sometimes saw and rarely spoke to, was watching out for her well-being.
"Thank you," she said, forcing a smile. "I really hope I didn't cause any of you any trouble. I didn't expect Mr. Darbren to be able to find me. I guess he saw me when I'd made a trip back home. I hadn't noticed anyone watching me..."
"It's fine," Maylene spoke up, standing next to her now. "You're safe now, so, it doesn't seem worth it to dwell on what mistakes you might've made."
Ellia smiled, this time it was genuine. "You're right..." She looked to Master Ciel and noticed the look he'd been giving Sebastian. It was non-verbal communication, and she wondered if they were planning something...
"You're dismissed," he said, not moving from his place behind the desk. Sebastian walked the servants and Ellia to the door of the study, opened the door, and closed it again, he himself remaining inside.
As they walked away, Ellia heard a part of the conversation. Ciel had said something like, "Is she receiving you well? You know the operation will only be successful if..."
After that she couldn't hear anything. What operation was he talking about?
Whatever it is, it involves me, Ellia thought, very curious now. Her thoughts were interrupted by Maylene. "Want me to help you bring your things to my room?" she asked.
Ellia nodded. "Sure, that'd be great." The other servants bid the two goodnight and left to finish a few errands around the mansion. Maylene and Ellia went to Ellia's room, and began gathering her clothes and other personal effects. Maylene took the first batch away and Ellia was about to take a few dresses with her, when she noticed something.
Her room was quiet. Much too quiet for a woman who owned a talkative pet like Gatlin. "Gatlin?" she called, looking around the room. She set down her clothes on the bed and began searching places the small animal might hide.
Then she heard it. "Meow."
But it was so faint, like the animal was far away. She followed the sound, focused intently as she walked down the hallway. The house was quiet due to the time of night, so it was easy to track.
Finally she came to a closed door. She heard the meow again. It was definitely behind this door.
"But I've never been in here before," Ellia thought aloud, hesitant to turn the knob. "Meow." Her beloved cat just on the other side beckoned her. The raven-haired woman decided to go in.
She was surprised to see it was unlocked but went in, anyway, looking around. It was a bedroom, but was simple and practical. There wasn't anything personal displayed, not like the family pictures or decorations her parents always kept out.
She heard the cat meow again and looked around for a moment before her eyes settled on the armoire in front of her. THAT'S where the sound was coming from!
"Gatlin, love, how did you get yourself trapped in there?" she asked, quickly going to the wooden structure and opening the door. Before she opened it completely, she saw several pairs of glowing eyes staring at her. Startled, she closed the door a bit, still peeking in. "Meow." "Mrow?" "Meoooow!"
"..." Dear heavens, there must be a dozen cats in there!
"What are you doing in here, Miss Ellia?" came a voice behind her.
Ellia quickly shut the door and turned around, her back against the armoire. "Um, nothing." She was in Sebastian's room, she guessed instantly by the look on his face as he stood in the doorway.
"It doesn't look like nothing," he said, watching her.
"W-well, I was looking for Gatlin, and I heard cat-like noises coming from this room, so I figured she'd be in here."
Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "She's right there." Ellia followed his gaze and turned around, looking up. There was Gatlin, sitting on top of the wardrobe. Her tail was swaying slowly as she studied the woman below her. If cats could smile, Ellia would've sworn she was.
"Come here, love," she called, holding her arms out to catch her pet. Gatlin, though, didn't move. She stayed where she was, just out of reach of the woman. Ellia gestured to her again. "Come, Gatlin."
"Hm. Seems she doesn't want to listen to you, Miss Ellia," Sebastian said. He stepped into the room and closed the door behind him.
The woman turned to him, watching as he approached her. She suddenly felt a bit exposed, wearing the thin dress Maylene had put her in. It had been necessary, though, since it would be difficult to dress wounds and let them heal with heavy layers on.
Within seconds he was standing in front of her. His right hand he moved up and placed firmly against the armoire beside her head, eyes locked on her. "It's a shame that vulgar man got to see your gift on you before I did," he said, sounding almost angry about it.
"I suppose. I really liked it, though. It was pretty," Ellia said with a smile. Her heart skipped when she felt his hands move to her waist, faster than she really saw. Then again, she'd been looking into his beautiful red eyes...eyes she felt she could get lost in if he willed it. She was lifted off the floor about a foot, now closer to his height, and held there. She wrapped her legs around him, as she thought it the appropriate thing to do. Ellia couldn't really move her left arm too much, though, since it might have re-opened the wound. So she gently placed her right hand on his shoulder, her watchful gaze never leaving his stoic face.
Except now he seemed...like he was analyzing her. Why? They were so close, so intimately close, and yet he felt the need to watch her like this. She placed her weaker arm against his chest and asked, "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Sebastian smirked and, not to her surprise, didn't answer. Instead he kissed her. It was so fast Ellia hadn't seen it coming. Finally feeling his lips on her own felt amazing, especially since she'd been starved of the contact before in the work-room. He kissed her gently, slowly, as if he feared he'd harm her by being too rough. Ellia had thought to say, He destroyed my shoulder, not my mouth, but was enjoying the affection far too much. He kissed her sweetly again and again, all the while Ellia's mind was consumed with thoughts of how lucky the woman felt.
Before she could initiate anything of the open-mouthed category he pulled away, and Ellia couldn't help but smile. He moved to her neck, carefully avoiding the bandages that covered the gash she'd received. At first he kissed her skin gently, making her neck delightfully warm. He then moved on to using his tongue, and eventually his teeth, nipping at her sensitive skin with seemingly no regard toward the woman's uneven breathing and occasional giggle.
She tightened her legs around him and said, "You're going to leave marks if you keep at it." She really didn't want to be questioned by Maylene in the morning.
He paused to whisper in her ear, "I doubt they'll be any worse than what you already have." Ellia thought about it and sighed. "I guess so." The woman then let herself get absorbed in her angel's actions, the way he left kisses that made her skin tingle, his hot mouth making her body ache for him.
When he was done with her neck he trailed sweet kisses south, to her chest. The woman's heart sped up with anticipation. She was swimming in pleasure, but it wasn't enough. Not nearly enough. She wanted more than just his mouth, she wanted all of him. She would have to make do for now, though.
With her free hand Ellia pulled down the strap of the dress on her shoulder, and was just about to fix the other when a voice was heard out in the hallway.
"Ellia! Miss Ellia!" It was Maylene.
Ellia cursed in her mind. Why? Why NOW did she have to come looking for her?
Sebastian gave the woman a long stare before setting her back down gently. Very unlike Ellia's slightly red face and shallow breathing, Sebastian seemed calm. Like nothing had happened.
"You should go to her before she assumes you've been abducted again," Sebastian said with a small smirk. Ellia nodded, her mind still spinning from the sensations, her body still hot. So...hot.
"R-right." She took a step toward the door to leave but was stopped by the man behind her. He snaked his left arm around her waist, while using the other to grab one of her breasts. In her ear, he purred, "Wait, Ellia."
The woman's eyes widened for a moment before closing just slightly. "Yes?" she said, sounding dazed. He felt her move back against him, pressing closer. His hands on her only made Ellia want him more, and in turn, her hatred for the maid's timing increased. Immensely.
The man slid his arm from around her waist to give her other breast the same treatment, massaging them both gently. Ellia titled her head just slightly, clearly enjoying the sensation. "Miss Ellia," he whispered silkily, "you're forgetting something, aren't you?"
Ellia blinked, not wanting to move from her spot against him. "What am I...forgetting?" she asked quietly.
Sebastian smirked and let her go, stepping back and away from her. Ellia turned around just in time to see Gatlin jump down from the armoire and into the gloved hands of the butler. "Meow."
Ellia smiled. "Oh, Gatlin." The cat didn't seem to mind her owner had forgotten she was in the room. Gatlin appeared happy as usual, and sprang into the woman's arms. Ellia caught her easily, more by reflex than real effort, and looked to Sebastian as if she wasn't sure what to say.
Silently, he fixed her dress, moving the straps back up on her shoulders and making sure it was straight. He then looked her over and smiled pleasantly. "Have a good night, Miss Ellia."
Ellia nodded weakly and went to the door. "Goodnight," she said, opening it and walking out into the hall. Sebastian held onto door, watching her go, and was about to shut it when he said, "Sleep well." Before she could reply, he'd closed the door.
Ellia smiled to herself and walked down the hall with Gatlin in her arms. As she crossed an intersecting hallway, Maylene ran up to her. "There you are!" she exclaimed. "Where'd you go?"
"Um...the bathroom," Ellia said, walking alongside her.
Maylene looked skeptical. "WITH your cat?"
Ellia smiled. "Well she's pretty much my guard dog. I take her everywhere."
"Even the shower?" Maylene asked, sounding somewhat surprised.
"Heavens, no! Cats hate water, you know." Ellia's eyes became wide with a realization. "The cats! I forgot to ask about them," she said, remembering the glowing eyes inside the wardrobe.
"Huh? Cats?" Maylene questioned. "What are you talking about?"
"Oh, nothing," Ellia said, waving her hand to dismiss the topic. "So, your room..?"
"Oh, I moved all your stuff already," the maid said. "By the way, are you feeling okay?"
Ellia nodded. "Yes, why?"
"Well you look a little...out of it," she said, trying not to sound rude.
Ellia turned her attention to the paintings on the walls as they passed by. "I'm okay, really." She remembered the newly-made hickeys and bite marks on her neck and quickly moved her long hair to cover them. "In fact, I'm more than okay."
Gatlin meowed loudly, as if in agreement, and Maylene shrugged. "If you say so."
Ellia and Maylene made small talk until they reached her room. When they got there, Ellia set up a place to sleep for Gatlin at the end of the queen-sized bed. At first Ellia thought it would be weird for two grown women to share a bed, but the thought faded when she realized the two of them were pretty much friends, being servants in the same house, and all. They got along well, too, so in the end she didn't really mind.
Laying under the covers that night, Ellia stared at the ceiling long after Maylene had fallen asleep. She glanced at the window every now and then, but she felt safe here. She looked towards the end of the bed and saw that Gatlin's yellow eyes were staring at her through the dark.
"You can't sleep, either, huh? Come here, love." The cat stood and silently walked across the sheets to lay beside her owner, curling into a ball. Ellia smiled and pet her gently, thinking over the day's events.
She then remembered what she'd heard Ciel say before, as she was leaving the study:
"Is she receiving you well? You know the operation will only be successful if..."
What did that mean? What operation? And why would it matter if she was "receiving" him well? She found Sebastian attractive, sure, but what did Ciel have to do with that? Ellia wondered what the two were planning. She had a feeling they had something in store for her, but she figured it too late in the evening to really dwell on it.
Eventually her eyes closed and she drifted into a deep sleep. Her dreams weren't pleasant, though. Among them was another horrid encounter with Mr. Darbren, and this time she couldn't fight back. She would awake with a jolt the next morning, only to be calmed by Gatlin's cute actions as she swayed her tail and moved her paws in her sleep. Occasionally her ear would twitch, and Ellia would end up forgetting about her nightmares completely.
So ends chapter four. I hope y'all liked it. =]
Also, I am a bit discouraged by the lack of TYPED reception. I love getting emails saying there are people adding this story to their favorites list and such, but I do prefer reviews. Reviews let me know what you guys, the readers, think is going right and wrong with the story. If you like it or hate it, say so. Without some actual feedback I may lose motivation to update.
However, thank you so very much to those that HAVE reviewed.
To SimpleEnvy: Yes, that IS something Grell would do. And I understand that, Hell does seem like it'd be a horrible place. I fear it, and I'm not even uber religious.
To Lucia d' Neko-Kyuuketsuki: I'm glad you like it so far. And yes, you can have him. XD
To im a kitty that luvs sweets: I'm sure you weren't the only one thinking that's what it was. =P
To Butterfly1982: I replied to your review with another review. Twas easier.
As I mentioned, reviews are appreciated! =]