Adrian had a surprising amount of ingredients in his...pantry. If it could even be called a pantry. Really, it looked like a coffin that had been turned up on it's side, but Astrid didn't want to dwell on that for very long. She supposed a hearty omelette would do, considering he had all the proper ingredients. It was a rather simple dish, but the protein would give him his energy back. And seeing as he had no meat- not any she could find, anyway- this was the best option. She whipped up the meal expertly and cleanly, her years at the Phantomhive mansion serving her well. She finished it off with some thinly sliced tomatoes, and a piece of French bread. Balancing the tray in one hand, she began making her way up the stairs, when she caught sight of a jar that seemed to be filled with bones. Well, reaper aside, he was a mortician. Even still, there were certain things in his care that were slightly...disturbing.

But she tried to not think about said things, and instead focus on nursing Adrian. Knocking on the door before she entered, she was met with a toothy smile, and his usual whines. He was sitting up on the bed, robes off so that he was only in his black shirt and pants. "It was so lonely, dearest."

She clicked her tongue at him, setting the tray down on the night stand. "It was only about twenty minutes or so."

"Too long~" he mused with a click of his tongue.

Astrid shook her head as though she were talking to a child, placing the tray down on the nightstand, the metal making a small clink as it hit the glass. "Well then," she said, placing her hands proudly on her hips, "Aren't you quite glad I'm able to cook?"

A crooked grin lined his face, eyes hidden by bangs as he cocked his head to the side. "Hmm, an advantage from the usual," he said, before cocking his head in the other direction, "Where is yours, dearest?"

She waved her hand at him, "I already ate."

"So fast?" from his tone she could tell his eyebrows were raised.

A rather sheepish smile tugged at her lips, "It's habit. I'm used to eating in the kitchen."

His smile dropped at that, telling her he'd prefer if she ate with him. But she shook her hand again, a soft smile on her face, "I'm a maid Adrian. I don't mind."

He grabbed the shaking hand, pulling her so that she nearly tumbled onto him, her arms holding her up on either side of his waist.

"Didn't I tell you? You're not a maid in this house."

She looked up at him with an angry huff, "Be that as it may, you still need to be taken care of, for the time being."

"I'm not hurt," his voice was perhaps a bit too playful, "That, I know I've told you dearie hehe~"

"Why are you so stubborn?" she was almost certain her cheeks were puffed in frustration.

He poked the tip of her nose with a black nail, "Heehee why are you so stubborn?"

She shook her head, getting off of him and sitting at the edge of the bed instead. "There's nothing wrong with a bit of rest, even if you are feeling fine." she insisted.

He leaned back against the headboard, resting his head in his hands, "Okey dokey~"

She looked at him with suspicious eyes, "What?"

"If you'd like dearie~ But then, you have to feed me don't you?"

Her eyes narrowed before her mouth parted in laughter. "If you'd like. Then yes. I can do that." She said with a soft smile.

Happy little noises escaped from Adrian's throat, murmuring about her laughter, as he patted his lap for her to sit on. She granted him this much, before pulling the tray onto her own lap, and gathering a hearty amount of food onto the fork for him.

"Well go on," she teased, holding the fork under his lips, "Open up~"

He did as he was told, taking the first bite of his meal with a contented sigh. "De-li-cious!"

"I couldn't find any meat," she explained, "So I decided eggs would be the next best thing. Although I'm not quite sure if someone like you even requires protein, seeing as you're…" she looked up at him, only now realizing that he'd brushed his bangs away, making her blush, "Well...not human." she finished.

He gave her a smart smile, taking another bite when she offered. "I don't like keeping meat in the house. The scent of rotting flesh is not a pleasant one."

He'd said it calmly, but it nearly made Astrid's skin crawl. She wasn't sure the two smells could compare, but she wasn't about to ask. Then again, being a mortician, wouldn't he be used to such a smell? Or perhaps, he was simply tired of it. It was a disgustingly morbid thought regardless.

"Mmmm," she was brought back to her senses as he poked her cheek, "You think too much~"

"Hardly." she retorted.

"My guests never stay long enough for such things to occur. I'm very diligent dearie."

She blinked, slight panic flashing through her features, "Of course! I didn't mean…" she sighed, "Can we not speak of more pleasant things?"

He gave her what she thought to be a rather mature smile, placing his hand on her wrist. "Death has its pleasant moments. Such a beautiful process to create a new beginning. Does it bother you that much, love?"

She looked from his hand up to his eyes before returning his smile and then gathering more food onto the fork, "I just think those are rather bold words, for someone who can't die."

He squeezed her wrist, "Hehe, you forget, that neither can you."

A tint of blush warmed the tips of her ears. "That's...true…"

Leaning forward, he pecked her lips, flashed a smile, and then leaned back against the headboard. "Do you intend to wait on me all day?"

The fork clattered against the plate, as Astrid reached for the water so that he could drink. "If need be."

He hummed at that, feet wagging happily as he sipped the water. She couldn't help but giggle at his actions, calling him a child.

"You're treating me like one~" he sang.

"Is it so horrible that I'm concerned?"

Adrian laughed, amused at her frustration. "It's endearing, love. Perhaps because you're around that Earl every hour of the day."

"He's hardly a child." she said with a click of her tongue, "He's very mature for his age."

"Heehee, still a child~"

Astrid dragged the fork around on the plate, not looking at him. "It's horrible...everything he's been through. I didn't know him, then. But I've only ever heard good things about his parents."

Adrian took another sip of water. "They were decent."

"You knew them?"

"You could say that~"

Teeth tugging at her lips, Astrid gave Adrian another forkful of food.

"Curious, dearie?"

"Anyone would be," she stated, "What were they like? Vincent was the previous Guard Dog wasn't he?"

"Mmmm he was a good enough man...could hold his liquor." He added with a sly smile.

"Why should that matter?" she asked, letting him have another bite.

"Heehee, one should never trust a man like that, dearest."

She gathered a bit more of food onto the fork, crinkling her features. Whenever anyone spoke of the former head of the Phantomhives, it was only the most elite of praises. "Why ever not? I should much prefer a man like that than a drunkard."

A high pitched giggle left Adrian's lips as he accepted the fork into his mouth. He wiped his mouth with the napkin before answering, "Humans are so interesting," he whined, "One can always trust a drunk's honesty."

Astrid shook her head, "Drunks babble. There's no telling what they're saying. If anything it's a heap of lies." She pushed, still not understanding what Adrian was saying.

"Heehee!" he squealed as though she'd just proven his point for him, "Honesty is not only shown through words, dearest~"

She wasn't quite sure what he meant by that. But she wasn't very sure of anything, when it came to the duties of the Queen's Guard Dog. Even her own Master was elusive at best. Perhaps that was what Adrian was referring to.

"Yes…" she nodded her head hesitantly, "I suppose. In any case," she sighed, putting the plate down and returning it to the nightstand, "It's a shame what happened to them. Especially with the Earl as young as he is."

"You care for him?" His tone was teasing yet curious. Astrid couldn't bring herself to look at him. "Well, I suppose...naturally, as my Master of course I would...but I also suppose...he will be the closest thing I have to a son…" her voice trailed off.

It was quiet for a time, and Astrid found herself wishing she hadn't said anything at all. Mentioning something like possible future children was definitely not something she should be thinking about at a time like this.

But she had always wanted to be a mother.

"Dearie," his voice pulled her from her thoughts, and she looked up at him, wishing he'd move away his bangs so that she could read his expression more clearly. "What are you troubling yourself over?"

"It's not trouble, exactly," she blurted quickly, trying to amend what she said before, "Children are...really it's not something we should be discussing, so early on. Not that...that is, I suppose we are committed to each other of course, considering...but I...Sebastian already explained that…"

She wasn't making any sense, was she?

His soft chuckles cut her rambles short, and with his hand he motioned her closer, nuzzling her against his chest once she'd gotten within arm's reach. With one hand he circled her back and then squeezed her arm, as the other parted his bangs. "What did he say, my treasure?"

"That we could never have children." Her words all fell out in a single breath.

Adrian whined, "I do so hate demons~"

"What is it?" she glanced up at him, optimism flashing in those brown eyes.

"The devil is right," he sang, "But nothing is im-po-ssi-ble~"

Astrid blinked, her eyes widening, not wanting to jump to conclusions too quickly, "Adrian, are you quite sure?"

With a single finger he bopped her nose, "Don't get your hopes up, dearie," he mused, "Demons and Reapers are oil and water. And you, heehee," he tapped her nose again, "Are quite the little devil yourself."

She smiled sheepishly, catching his fingers to give them a quick kiss, "I know. And I understand. But-"

"Dearest~"

"Yes?" she blinked.

His bangs fell across his eyes as that cheshire grin began to line his face, "I'd like a bath."

She took that as her cue to drop the subject. "Oh!" she immediately stood up, brushing her skirt off, "Of course! You must be tired. Shall I run one for you?"

"Only if you join me, love."

Her face fell. All thoughts of possible motherhood now drowned out by the lover she had to take care of. "That'd be counter productive, Adrian." she said, already turning around. He stood up, hugging her from behind, pressing her back against his chest, "No funny business~" He promised, nipping at her ear. Shivers shot down her spine, and she tried to shake him off, but he held on tight. She sighed. She truly was far too lenient when it came to him. "Very well then."

He kissed her cheek, dragging her into the bathroom.

...

"No touching."

"But darling-"

She smacked his hand away, water splashing in the process. "Shh. You're still not well."

He chuckled, sliding his hands over her legs and leaning back, so that his head rested on her shoulder. "Feisty kitty."

A small blush rose to her cheeks as she continued to wash his hair, "Don't say that." she mumbled awkwardly, working her nails into his scalp. He sighed happily, twirling his fingers to make small tornadoes in the water.

"Hmmm?" he tossed his head back, looking up at her with an upside-down cheshire grin, a long nail reaching up to poke her cheek, "Koneko-chan? Heehee, it suits you, dearie."

She shushed him again, pushing his head back up so that he wouldn't see her quickly reddening face. And to stop him from doing anything else, she dumped water over his head to rinse his hair. "Mean Koneko-chan! I didn't close my eyes!" She couldn't help but giggle. "Perhaps you should focus on the task at hand."

"Mmmmm…" he sank down in the tub, bubbles blubbering from his lips. "The task at hand…" he murmured, nails tracing up her legs again, making her skin jump, "That would be you, wouldn't it, dearest?"

His voice was dangerously low when he said that. She felt as though her entire being were vibrating. More than anything she wanted to give in. But she wasn't completely helpless.

"You horrid old man," she laughed, playing it off, splashing the back of his neck with water. He plopped down on her shoulder again in response, water jumping on their skin. "Then at least a kiss, darling. Your lover requests it~" That playful voice...it wasn't exactly something she could deny. So tilting his head back, and brushing away his bangs, she gave him a wet kiss to the forehead. Undertaker whined, before he wiggled his fingers, high pitched laughter parting his lips. "Such torture, treasure! A demon after my own soul!"

She giggled again, granting him another kiss, "You're so dramatic, Adrian." But her voice wavered. She wished he'd stop. Because she wasn't sure how much longer she'd be able to evade him. His light, teasing touches were making her skin burn, and that voice he was using- that voice- made her knees go weak. Of course, it didn't help that they were so close to each other. Naked, no less. In a bathtub.

It certainly wasn't one of her best ideas. But the way he'd held her when he asked, and the way she just knew those eyes were probably looking at her were too much for her to say no. And the way he smelled. The emotions radiating off of him were strong enough to taste. But she was sure that if she could just get through this bath, then they'd get ready for bed and sleep. And he'd have gotten his rest, and he's have succeeded. Then, come morning, if he wanted…

She could feel herself blushing. Why was she always doing that? It was ridiculous, considering all they'd already done together. Considering all he'd done for her. Considering the fact they were bound.

Her breathing hitched. Was there really any point in waiting?

No, no, she couldn't start thinking like this. They had all of forever, together. And he'd been in so much pain-

She could hold out. At least for tonight. So she brushed away his words and nuzzled his cheek with her own. "Hush. Or maybe I will take your soul." She teased.

"It's already yours, dearest." He captured her lips with his, catching her completely off guard. She was definitely blushing now. He couldn't just turn it around like that. That wasn't fair. She inhaled sharply, resting her head against his back to hide her face. It was hot. Both from the steam of the bath, and…

She was weak.

"Adrian-"

"Shall we sleep, dearie?"

She pulled away from him, feeling as though she'd been snapped out of a trance. Had he…

Well. Perhaps she'd been right all along. Perhaps he was tired. Even still, she'd have to be sure to talk to him about his teases. "Yes," she blurted, "It's been a long day." Before he could do or say anything more, she got out of the tub, wrapping a towel around her shivering body, and holding one out to him so that he could dry off as well.

"Such royal treatment," he mused, "Will you fluff my pillows as well?"

"If you wish it." she said simply, slipping into her nightgown as quickly as possible.

He didn't answer, instead pulling her flush against his chest, and she thought he might kiss her, but instead he just rested his forehead against hers. "Warm…" he murmured.

She pried herself away gently, reminding him it'd be warmer once they got to bed.

Only, once they did get to bed, she was the one who could not pull away. There was something strangely different about his scent now, the lust nearly gone, something much more powerful consuming her senses. And she couldn't get enough. It didn't help that Adrian didn't wear very much to bed in the first place. So with his skin bare and open, it was all so raw she could hardly stand it. She took any excuse to touch him, claiming she needed to get comfortable, her cheeks brushing against his chest and her palms sliding up his arms.

Finally she nuzzled against him, feeling perfectly warm and content.

"Heehee, you've been quite affectionate, dearie. Did the bath change your mind?"

She snuggled against him some more, rubbing against his chest with her cheek, "Your scent is calming, that's all. I like it."

He patted her hair, brushing it back with his nails, and he nearly swore she was purring. So he did it again, reveling in the soft vibrations she made against his chest. "Dearest…"

"Mmmm…" she gave a sleepy yawn, and he simply didn't have the heart to bother her. So he let her sleep, thinking that come morning, he'd repay her kindness.

Slowly, to the sound of her breath, Adrian fell asleep.

That is, until, he was awoken by soft mewls, his darling demon whimpering and shaking. Everything about her exuded fear.

She was back. In that same in between world that felt familiar and not familiar. The scenery was beautiful, with the waves crashing onto the white sand, the fizzling of the foam that nipped at her toes.

Oh. So she was standing in it. It was…

Pretty.

Control your duality.

"Master Ciel?" she called out, her voice carried away by the wind. She didn't think much of it, letting her gaze lazily fall down to her feet again. But the longer she stood, the more the waves washed over. The deeper she sank into the sand.

She was being buried.

"You are a demon. Surely this is of no consequence."

Craning her head to look up, Sebastian next to her, now much taller than she. "Yes," she replied, staring down at herself, "I suppose you're right." It truly wasn't so great a threat. Should the moment come when she was no longer comfortable, she could simply pull herself out. And for now, the water was warm, the waves hugging her chest, the sand warming her feet.

"Besides," she glanced up again, Sebastian's smirk unmistakable, "You have much bigger things to worry about."

She followed his gaze, her heart stopping and the mark on her chest burning with a heated fire. Adrian was flat on his back, not two feet away, robes sprawled out and claimed by the sand, body sinking. Just as hers was.

She clawed at the pile that surrounded her, "No! Sebastian! Sebastian I can't reach him!"

"You are a demon."

She scratched and tugged and dug her nails into the grit, trying to pull herself out, the mark burning and her panic escalating. "Sebastian! Help me!"

He only chuckled, "And if he does die? You would too, of course. Failure to serve one's master requires the ultimate price. Are you trying to save him, or yourself, Miss Astrid?"

She was sinking deeper, struggling to keep her head above the ground. At this rate, even if Adrian was saved, she'd be lost forever. "I don't care! Just save him, please!"

"You are a demon," he repeated, with infuriating calmness, "If you wish to save him, then you can do it yourself."

I can't, she thought. She couldn't do anything. Breathing had even escaped her, the walls of sand were crushing her lungs so tightly. She couldn't save him. Never reach him in time. He couldn't hear her, couldn't see her. He wasn't...moving. And suddenly all she knew was terror; this horrifying, scream-filled terror. She shut her eyes, begging, begging.

Control your duality.

Her eyes shot open with sudden panic, chest heaving, taking in large lumps of air that rushed to fill her head far too quickly. She was dizzy, tears staining her cheeks, heavy sobs echoing from the dream.

And then brown eyes met green.

"Adrian!"

He wrapped her with the sheets, cocooning her against his chest, cradling her in his arms. "It was a nightmare." His voice was strict, reassuring.

She didn't realize how quickly she'd been breathing, until his voice cut through her thoughts. She tried to slow down, taking in steady inhales instead, letting her head rest against his chest. This was...real, wasn't it?

"What happened?" he whispered, carefully brushing some hair away from her face.

She tried to explain herself, but her words tumbled out of her mouth in a tangled mess, her body shaking as she clung to him. "...and you were...I couldn't reach you-"

Before she knew he was kissing her, and being here in his bed again, surrounded- no- overwhelmed by his scent...she was drowning. "Adrian," her murmurs were swallowed by his mouth, his kiss becoming more passionate. "I'm here, love."

"Closer." she begged, her grip around his back tightening, their bodies fully pressed against one another. He didn't need to speak. Not now. He kissed her again and again, peppering her face, dropping all of his weight on her so that she'd know damn well he was within her grasp.

"Astrid."

Her eyes shot open, the tears still very much present, the hands that held his back shaking. "You almost never call me that."

He pressed his lips to her cheek, holding it there for a while, squeezing her small form lightly. "Astrid," he repeated, "Dearest, Love, Treasure," he murmured between kisses, "Isn't it all the same?"

She buried her face in his shoulder, wishing he'd stop but never wanting him to. He didn't let her hide, though, gently unhooking her arms from his neck and making her look at him. "Astrid," he repeated, taking her hand and placing it over his chest, the way he'd done that first day, "I'm here."

She nodded furiously, the tears falling now, shaking hands taking his to place over her own chest, "M-Me too."

Their lips met again, forging in sad passion, Adrian wrapping her in his strong arms, their chests flush against one another. "I'm so sorry," she sobbed, her words muffled against his skin. He stroked her back soothingly, his voice calm and steady. "You've nothing to be sorry for, dearest."

She trembled at that, folding into him all the more. "Adrian," her voice was only just above a whisper, but he managed to hear her just the same, "I know you're right here but…" her speech wavered, "I miss you...everything feels-"

"I won't let go," he promised.

"I don't want to be a demon." she whimpered. Her cheeks burned as she hung her head in shame. To be a failure, so early on, shaking like some sort of traumatized child…

"You are not a demon," he said tenderly, smiling at her.

She blinked, finding his words a bit too empty. With his knuckles he caressed her cheek, and her eyes closed of their own will beneath his touch.

"You are only half," he murmured, "And," he tilted her chin, causing her eyes to open and see his sparkling orbs, "You are mine."

It was so dark, but she could see his eyes so clearly, just then. "Adrian I," she was whispering, it seemed the only thing she could currently manage, "I can't...if anything happens to you...it'd be my fault. I don't know how to repress this. It's already so strong. I can smell everything. See everything. When I set my humanity aside sometimes I don't quite recall what I've done. And all that aside I can't fully control my metamorphosis into a cat." Tears began to fall again, though she made no sound, "Everything is so strange and for someone who is only supposed to be half human I'm constantly overwhelmed by such trivial things...A-Adrian," she swallowed, suddenly not wanting to say any more. He probably thought she was weak. Probably regretting ever meeting her. Probably wishing he could have lived out his retirement in peace and quiet-

"Heehee~" he pulled her in closer, and she wasn't sure if she should be offended by his outburst, or relieved.

"You see now, why the Earl granted you so much time?"

She sniffled, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. "This is...normal?"

"Mmm I wouldn't know about that dearest~" he pecked her nose, "But it's not out of the or-di-na-ry~"

She swallowed, listening to his even breathing and occasional giggles as he squeezed her.

Thinking.

"Then. I need to find the balance." she said.

"That would probably be best, love."

"Too much emotion vetoes demon instinct, but too much instinct will erase my humanity."

"I think you have it now," he giggled, licking her cheek as though he were a dog. She laughed in response, wiping her face with her hand and shooting him a displeased expression. "Was that truly necessary?"

He licked her other cheek. "Absolutely."

She laughed again, trying to get away from him, but he grabbed her and pulled her back, only making her squeal and giggle even more.

Adrian sighed into her back, murmuring and whining happily, "Such a beautiful sound, my treasure~ Go on, laugh more for me!"

She did indeed, pushing his head away and once more trying to free herself from his grasp. But something shifted, just then, the two lovers falling silent. Saying and doing nothing; looking at each other. In the distance, Big Ben chimed.

"Someone once told me," she said softly, her eyes flashing red, "that there was a much more effective way to hear me laugh."

Adrian's own eyes narrowed with a precision Astrid recognized all too well. The room seemed smaller suddenly, their scents melding, quickly filling the small space.

"Then, dearest," Adrian's voice rumbled smooth and low as he climbed over her, his hair falling on either side of her face, those sharp eyes hungry. "As you wish."

A/N: Ahhh! Thanks so much for all the recent follows and nice comments ^^ Do keep them coming, I promise I read all of them! Nothing is more encouraging when writing a story like this :) Hope you all enjoy the update! Oh also, I am on tumblr if you guys wanna follow under madamemalfoy21. I commissioned some art for our lovely pairing here, and it turned out great so you should check it out! Tagged under 'my oc'

Guest: Gaaahhh your comment made me so happy and you commented so fast after I updated! Truly thank you so much! I'm finally on break so hopefully I can be a bit quicker with this.

Guest: Thank you, glad you're enjoying it! :)

Lionne: Thanks!

Guest: I agree with you. Definitely a sexy mofo. And oh geez I'm blushing gahh idk how to respond to praise lol.

atashitoljh: I try to reply to all of them hehe.

Guest: Thank you!

Guest: Yes he looks pretty young to me. His hair might be grey but oh man that face ;) That face is just beyond beautiful.