And here we are to chapter 12. I hope to get this out asap. I am very pleased to know I have a steady number of readers—that delighted me, actually. Well, I'm hoping to have certain things in this chapter. It will be a kind of special chapter, in a few sorts. Forgive me if I add too many Sebby / Kat moments, if there is such a thing. Ones I add in now will not be "too deep", those will come later, I assure you. Also, forgive any mistakes / typos. Again, I did not read the entire finished chapter before posting. I tend to finish these things late at night. Perhaps I should stop doing such a thing?...Nah.
Well, let us see where this chapter takes us, shall we?
Katherine felt herself stir, waking up from her slumber. She felt the bright light from the morning sky hit her face, making her bury her head into her pillow, "Ngh!"
"Katherine, you have to get up. You are allowed to work today. The young master has allowed it, as long as you still at least attempt to take it slow." Sebastian knew that Katherine was now fine. His blood healed her, and her energy had been successfully bonded with his. She was now his, in more than one aspect.
Katherine looked at him, rubbing her eyes, "It's too early. It's a holiday, Sebastian. You guys don't even believe in celebrating holidays? Ciel really needs to learn to give people a break."
The female sat up, stretching. She knew she had been brought to his room after she'd passed out. She remembered everything—even the kiss he'd given her shortly before passing out. She tried to reason with herself, saying it was a mere dream, nothing more. But she knew better. Sebastian knew she was not the brightest upon waking up. Sebastian figured he should push his thoughts, wanting to see the reaction he so desired, "By the way, my kitten, your outfit is ready to be placed back within the confines of your wardrobe when you return to your room. Luckily, I took the liberty of dressing you before putting you in bed."
Katherine's eyes found themselves to be in a dead stare, her icy blue orbs blankly boring into his red ones. Then his words clicked inside, her eyes getting extra wide, "Changed me?! And why did you have to have my outfit from yesterday washed, again?!"
"Do you not remember yesterday's events? Do you remember what you had to do in order to get back to being healthy?" Katherine knew that type of voice, as he often spoke to her in it. She sensed the demon's impish intonation in his voice, answering him in a rather skeptical, not to mention sarcastic, tone, "Of course I remember! You had to give me some of your blood, which made me healthy. Therefore, I am cured. How could someone forget something like that?!"
"You are correct—almost." The demon's devious tone increased to an alarming degree for dear Katherine, "Almost? What do you mean by saying 'almost'?!"
Sebastian gave a grin, "You are most-indeed 'cured', however, you will have to be observed now and then. My blood greatly helped, however, sometimes additional blood is needed to keep the human's body in proper shape." Katherine waited for more information before she asked anything, the demon continuing his words, "You are still human, in some sorts. You do not possess my demon abilities, although your reflexes and senses might have been affected."
"Well, that explains why I can smell certain things and they seem so strong…" Katherine paused, continuing seconds later, "Anything else I should know? I will not give you any heck, seeing as you did what you did for a good reason. But can't say I'm all right with it, either. And what do you mean I will have to be observed? And you never answered my previous question, Sebastian." Katherine peered up at the male, sliding out of the butler's bed, her body freezing, "Sebastian, why the hell am I in one of your undershirts?!"
That was the reaction he desired—and it brought him a rather large amount of satisfaction, "You had blood on your outfit after your little feeding session. I thought it only proper to get you into something clean, as well as fitting to sleep in."
"Your solution was your undershirt?! What were you thinking?!" Katherine had a right to yell—the shirt barely touched mid-thigh in length. And she knew this meant something else, too. Sebastian had removed most, if not all, of her clothes, changing her into fresh pieces of whatever she needed. What was with this guy seeing her with such little on, and what was worse was that she was always unconscious when it happened! That was creepy.
"Are you sure you wish to know my thoughts during that time, my girl?" The look in the demon's eyes made Katherine give an immediate answer of, "Maybe I'm better off not knowing." She slid off the bed, walking by the butler, who placed something over her shoulders, which she quickly found to be his tail-coat, "Sebastian, why did you—?" He gave a look that revealed his hunger and lasciviousness, which he, surprisingly, did not try to hide one bit, "There are males in this manor, Katherine. Do you think I wish for them to see you in such a state?"
Katherine gave a look of confusion, "The only males are Finni, Bardroy, Ciel, and Tanaka, Sebastian. Ciel I definitely do not have to worry about, though he would complain seeing me wear such stuff outside my private room. Finni is more childish in his mind, so I might not have to worry. He'd most likely think I looked cute or even adorable. Bardroy, well, that may be a worry. He seems to be the type that would look at a woman and enjoy whatever he could see." She paused for a second, "Fine, I'll wear it but I think you over-looked something, Mr. Michaelis."
Sebastian looked at the female, wondering why she used such a formal-sounding title in such a playful sentence, still he answered her, "And what would that be, my kitten?" She motioned to the now-closed jacket he'd placed on her. It stopped at just below her waist, not even touching anywhere near her thighs. She looked down for a second, "Your jacket isn't going to be able to do the job you want it to, Sebastian. You'll need a Plan—"
She looked up, blinking at what she saw—the butler had his actual coat draped over his arm. When did he get that?! She literally only looked away for a few seconds and he left, getting his coat, which had been downstairs, still able to return in time before she looked back up at him?! His speed was literally insane.
"Were you perhaps going to say 'Plan B', Katherine?" The tone of his voice made her want to glare holes in him. Why did he have to be so freaking cocky all the time?!
"Shut up…" She reached for his coat, but the butler didn't give it up. Did he seriously want to put it on her? Well, this was a rather gentlemanly gesture, but she knew he was no gentleman without a price. She knew him by now. She took off his tail-coat, handing it to him in a rather polite manner, "It doesn't suit me like it does you."
Katherine felt the butler's long black coat get placed on her shoulders, her moving to place her arms into the armholes, Sebastian doing it for her. Ciel might have liked having people dress him and fix his clothes but Katherine did not, "You've been helping your master for far too long. I do not need someone to dress me. I appreciate the help but I can do it on my own, you know."
Sebastian made his way to the front of the female, buttoning the coat as he spoke, "I am perfectly aware of that, my kitten. But is it not more satisfying to lend a hand to someone who did not order a single command?"
"You can't fool me. You like being ordered around. For all I know you might even enjoy being that child's chess piece. You will not see me treat anyone in such a way. Not because I do not believe in ordering someone like they are my own personal dog, but for the simple fact that I'd rather someone stay around or help me without having to be told to do such a thing. It means more for someone to do something through free-will, versus the person having to just follow a mere order." Katherine gently pulled the butler back up to his usual standing position, "And get up! I don't need someone coming here, seeing you knelt down in front of me, of which I am only in an undershirt and a coat! Which to add on are both owned by you. It does not exactly give me a good reputation, you know."
Sebastian was surprised. Did he enjoy being bossed around by a child? Not in the slightest, but the young Phantomhive did intrigue the demon. The child was as ruthless as a demon, not to mention matching their levels of deceptive, sly, and astute ways—all while still appearing completely innocent to the ones around him. Those qualities alone promised the demon a very delicious meal when this contract was over. And Katherine would not be left alone, naturally. She would leave with him, returning to his realm, accompanying the demon on his next contract. He did not plan on leaving her behind.
"Lady Katherine! I'm so happy to see you're up and walking about!" Katherine and Sebastian's little conversation was over, Mei-Rin's voice coming to their ears, Katherine twitching at the loudness of the maid's voice, "Mei-Rin, think you can turn it down a notch or so?"
"Oh! I'm sorry! I can now see why Mister Sebastian calls you a kitten when speaking of you, yes I can!" Katherine looked at Sebastian, who had a wide shit-eating grin plastered on his face, her voice less-than impressed, "Gee, happy to know I'm more of a cat than a person. Being a cat-lover, I don't know whether to take offense to that or be honored."
"I can answer that if you would like, my kitten." Sebastian gave his impish grin, glancing at Katherine, who answered immediately, "Can't you harass me when we are not around people? And for the last time, I am not a kitten! I am not even cat-like!"
Another voice was added in, this one Katherine immediately knew, "Kat! Kat, why are you wearing Mister Sebastian's coat? And why are your legs bare?" Katherine answered before Sebastian could, fearing the butler's answer to the two workers of the manor, "My clothes had to be washed. I bumped my head yesterday, Sebastian carrying me to his room so I could rest without someone bothering me. He dressed me in one of his undershirts so I wouldn't be sleeping in next-to-nothing. I suppose it was a kind gesture, in its own way."
The butler gave a sly grin when he heard the ending of her comment, placing his hand over his chest, "If I couldn't do such a simple task, what kind of butler would I be?" Katherine wanted to facepalm herself—he was taking joy in something she yelled at him for just minutes ago. Why had she fallen for such a person, again? "You're full of yourself…" Katherine flatly stated to the butler.
"Did her hair stand on its end?" Finnian innocently asked Mei-Rin, who nodded, "Oh my! Another way Lady Katherine is cat-like!" Katherine face-floor'ed, bouncing to her feet in a irritation, "I'm not like a cat!"
"It's a good thing you're not, Miss Katherine." Katherine looked at Finni, blinking in confusion, "Why? Cats are adorable." His answer made the female's hair stand, completely chagrined, "Why I thought you knew. Sebastian has a rather odd obsessed with the furry creatures. He is literally the definition of 'Cat Lover' in my mind. If he saw you as being a cat in any way, well, I imagine he'd take quite a liking to you."
Katherine snapped her head in the butler's direction, the male only giving a sly side-glance in return, followed by his own ten-cents being added in, "I assure you, the relationship between Katherine and I is not the same as an owner and his pet. Now…" His tone immediately changed, "I believe you both have work to do, so I suggest you get back to work!"
The two workers shrunk in fear, sprinting out when looking at the male's glaring red orbs, Katherine giving a sigh, "You know, you don't have to put the fear of God in the trio, you know?" Sebastian gave a look of shock, his grin returning, "I know nothing of what you mean, Katherine. I am, however, intrigued on the words you chose, considering what I am."
Katherine didn't even bother, her walking on, the butler giving her retreating form a wicked smirk. Katherine did not know that every time she brushed the demon off, it only turned him on even further. Well, maybe Katherine did know. She just didn't seem to care.
After breakfast, things seemed to be slow—which was normal for the Phantomhive manor at nearly ten in the morning. But today was going to be slightly different, and only Sebastian knew about it.
"CIEL!"
The young male, who was on his way to his personal study, stopped in his tracks, turning towards the new voice, surprise on his face, "L-Lizzie?!"
The young male was suddenly met with a bear-like hug, the male's 'attacker' being a young girl who sported two long drills. Katherine had only had the pleasure of meeting the young female once, and it was a time she'd never forget. Honestly, how could she forget Elizabeth? The girl was quite different from the dull, uneventful Phantomhive. Katherine enjoyed Lizzie's joyful she showered everywhere.
"I was wondering if perhaps Lady Elizabeth would be gracing us with her presence. And it would appear she is as cheerful as ever." Katherine looked at the butler that stood next to her, adding in her two-cents, "When is she not cheerful?"
A gasp from the blonde female was heard, her running over to Sebastian and Katherine, her eyes wide, "Sebastian! Katherine! Oh, I'm so glad you two seem to be doing well!" Katherine gave a faint sweatdrop—this girl was literally too happy. "I'm glad to see you are doing well, as well, Lady Elizabeth." Katherine was polite to the girl, she did like her, even if she was hyper and quite loud.
"Katherine, call me Lizzie, please. You sound too much like Sebastian when you say my name like that. It's much too stiff for someone like too, you know?" Stiff? So, she was saying Sebastian was a stiff when it came to personality? That greatly humored Katherine inside, "Very well, Lizzie. May I ask what brought you here today?"
Lizzie gave Katherine that look of 'Are you serious'. Katherine gave a blink of confusion, "What?"
"I believe Lady Elizabeth is here due to the holiday, Katherine. Or did you forget already?" Katherine heard the presumptuous intonation in Sebastian voice, her crossing her arms, "Of course I didn't forget. In all my twenty years, this is the first household I know that forces its workers to work on Christmas."
"Twenty? Katherine, I didn't know your birthday passed! When was it?!" Katherine gave her answer with a casual voice, "Yesterday."
Lizzie gave Katherine stared at Katherine, silent for a few moments, her shouting afterwards, "Yesterday?! You were born the day before Christmas?! That is amazing!" Katherine gave a smile, "It's okay. I didn't want to make a fuss, so I didn't tell anyone about it." Lizzie grabbed Katherine's hand, pulling her down towards her small form, "Katherine, a girl must always celebrate her birthday, even if she's the only one celebrating it!" The young female paused, a bright look appearing suddenly in her eyes, "I have an idea!"
Katherine walked alongside Ciel, Sebastian, Elizabeth, and her maid, Paula. They found themselves in London, Elizabeth wanting to find Ciel the perfect Christmas gift. Katherine wondered why the female bothered to wait until now to look. "Lady Elizabeth, I—"
She was met with a stare from the girl clad in red and red, Katherine correcting herself, "Lizzie, why didn't you and Master Ciel come looking for a gift? It would have been a good time for you two to spend together. I can see why Sebastian and Paula would come along, but why did I have to come along?"
Elizabeth turned towards Katherine, the girl giving a bright smile, "Sebastian said that you wanted to go for a walk, so I figured you could help me search for the perfect gift!"
Katherine's eye twitched—she figured Sebastian was somehow behind this. She sighed, "Fine. I guess it is good to get some fresh air, though I wanted that fresh air yesterday. Did he forget to mention that?" The young girl gave a sweatdrop, "No, he never mentioned that." Katherine gave a smile, figuring there was no real reason to complain, "It's okay. I do like looking around at the merchandise being sold, so it's not really a big deal."
Naturally, everyone followed the Earl and Lady Elizabeth, the young girl pointing out several things. Ciel did not seem to be enjoying himself. Katherine couldn't help but think that Ciel looked like a husband who'd been dragged to a mall by his pushy wife. The scene amused her greatly.
As the group walked along, everyone except Lizzie point 'this' and 'that' out at every shopping stall, Katherine noticed something glimmer in her peripheral vision, causing her to look. She noticed everyone stop, Lizzie pulling Ciel over to a certain stall, Sebastian and Paula following their masters. Katherine figured she could look at whatever caught her eye, meeting up with her group in mere moments, so she wandered away. She looked at the glimmer she'd seen only moments ago.
"It's beautiful…" The item before Katherine was that of a very simple-looking necklace. The pendant was a raven with its wings stretched out, appearing ready to fly off into the skies. Below the black bird was a simple heart-shaped gem. The gem was clear, rainbow of colors displayed throughout it. Naturally, the sun brought out the colors even better. The piece was quite lovely.
"Ahh, I see you've caught a glance at one of my finer pieces. It is truly one of a kind." Katherine looked at the merchant, a skeptical look on her face, "While it is indeed a splendid piece, I'm not sure it'll sell well."
The male looked perplexed, "And what makes you think such a thing?" Katherine continued, "Well, Ravens, while they are wondrous creatures, are only seen as birds that symbolize death and other macabre origins. I figure the one to buy such an item would be one who enjoys things in that type of nature."
The merchant was slightly taken back, amazed by how intelligent Katherine sounded while speaking, "While you are correct on their known macabre symbolization, there are much more to these magnificent birds, Miss. Did you know they are quite intelligent, enough so to even be taught to speak? Due to this learning ability, they were thought to be oracles in most legends. Some even believed the bird to be able to tell the future, predict omens, and other signs that could bring rather unpleasant things. The raven is a very mysterious creature, but in mystery brings curiosity. Gypsies that pass through here like to speak of their 'Animal Spirit', some speaking of even ravens and what traits a person with a Raven spirit possesses."
Katherine was interested now, thus the male continuing, "She said they are usually quite intelligent beings, full of a good amount of mystery, quite audacious in their behavior, as well as quite mischievous, manipulative, and perhaps even quite the trickster. If that all is true, then the raven is quite a unique creature. Whoever wears the bird, whether on a necklace or even a sketch on some old paper, I believe one bearing a raven Spirit Animal is drawn to them, and will protect them to a great extreme."
Katherine gave a sweatdrop, "Then I don't need this. I already have a 'raven' around me at all times. But, just out of curiosity, what is the price of this piece?" The merchant gave a skeptical look, "I doubt you have the means of buying a piece such as this. But, if you wish to know, I sell this piece at 183 shillings. I will admit that it is a high price, however, the Opal used as the gemstone is a genuine piece and quite rare to get a hold of in these parts."
Katherine gave a nod, "Yes, you are quite right. I can't afford such a thing. Perhaps I can buy something else elsewhere. It was nice speaking with you. I hope you find a buyer for the pendant." The merchant waved as Katherine went off on her own, dismayed that Ciel and the others had gone off. Sebastian was going to scold her for wandering off on her own in such a place. I swear I feel like a child…
The merchant noticed someone step up to his stall, turning from Katherine's wandering form, her scanning for everyone in the crowd of shoppers, the male speaking to his potential customer, "Can I help you today, Mister?" A smirk could be seen on the mysterious male's face, "That would all depend on you, kind sir. Can you please tell me what the girl that left had been so interested in?"
Katherine sat down, sighing in defeat—she'd literally lost everyone and being in a rather large shopping area, it looked dim, "I curse always getting drawn to anything that shines or glimmers! It never leaves me in a good position afterwards. If I could even find Sebastian, it'd be better than sitting here, sulking."
"Are you finished playing chase, my dear?" Katherine blinked, the butler she'd spoken of seconds ago now standing before her, "Sebastian?" She paused, shouting afterwards, "How do you always manage to just 'pop' up everywhere?!"
"Now, Katherine, I can 'pop out of nowhere' just as easily as you can wander off without warning." Katherine should've known he'd be upset with her disappearing on everyone, "How long have you been searching for me?" Sebastian peered down at the female, giving her apologetic-sounding form a look of definite interest, "Is that regret I hear coming from my kitten?" Katherine turned her head, her stubbornness kicking in, "No, I meant I wonder how long 'Lizzie' has been worrying about me being gone. I doubt you were actually worried after being aware of my missing."
Katherine felt her body get picked up, immediately knowing Sebastian had grabbed a hold of her, and in a bridal-style position nonetheless. But she also noticed that they were no longer in the place she'd sat down. In fact, she felt rather light, making her looking down, "SEBASTIAN! WHY ARE WE IN THE AIR?! HOW ARE WE IN THE AIR?!"
She held onto him, fear of falling. She was not afraid of heights but she was afraid of falling from the height of 300 feet. She felt Sebastian's feet momentarily touch the ground, the butler landing on some rooftop, taking off once more, landing near Ciel and the two females accompanying him, casually walking up to the small group as if he just happen to spot them from only yards away. Katherine was amazed. Sebastian had just travelled about 20 acres in a matter of seconds.
"Katherine! Where did you run off to? We were wondering where you had gone." Katherine looked at Paula, giving a smile, "I get distracted quite easily. I'm afraid it is quite a weakness I have."
"Well, you shouldn't wander off like that. You worry people, you know." Paula glanced at her Lady, giving her a slight sweatdrop, "M'lady has also had a history of wandering off, if I remember right." Elizabeth gave a faint blush, falling silent on her advice to Katherine.
"You can put me down, you know." Katherine was still being held, making her uncomfortable that everyone was there now. "Master?" Katherine knew what Sebastian was doing—asking permission to place the female back on her feet.
"You will carry her back. We will keep her on a chain during our next visit to any shops or markets, if we must. I do not like having to search for someone because they are weak against something that shines." Ciel made his way to the carriage, Katherine protesting immediately, "Ciel, this isn't necessary! I'd take the chain before being held in Sebastian's arms as if I were a bride."
"That can certainly be arranged, Katherine. I'm sure Sebastian would have no problem obtaining such an item." Katherine fell silent, knowing the one who'd be holding the leash would be Sebastian, "Well, he certainly cannot hold me and operate the carriage." Sebastian answered right away, "There is more than enough space in the driver's area, my dear."
Everyone arrived back at the Phantomhive manor, Elizabeth eager to give Ciel the gift she'd gotten—apparently she'd picked it out without him knowing what it actually was. He undid the bow keeping the box shut, the green ribbon falling to the ground. His eyes went wide upon opening the box, "Elizabeth."
"It's a gemstone called Moonstone. It's said to give good luck and help with emotional stress. It's a rare stone." Everyone looked at Katherine, Elizabeth giving a smile, "That's why I chose to have this stone set in this ring. You're always sad and I want to see you smile, like you used to. Even if it only lasts for moments, I would love it." Katherine couldn't help but pity the young girl. Ciel never enjoyed anything and never really smiled.
"My Lord? Perhaps giving Lady Elizabeth a dance to help wrap up this holiday is a notion?" Ciel looked at Katherine, agreeing with her suggestion, "Yes, I believe that is a good idea, Katherine." Ciel and Elizabeth danced one single dance, the young girl seeming to be in a fairytale, dancing with her prince. Katherine couldn't help but smile at the scene, hearing Sebastian's next, "Katherine, can you please accompany me to the kitchen? I believe this moment deserves tea and a dessert to match."
Katherine looked at the butler, who turned away, walking towards the kitchen. Was he upset about something? "Hey, wait for me." The entire time of preparing the tea and making a fresh batch of Apricot Scones was rather silent, which made it awkward. Katherine took the scones from the oven, wondering if perhaps she did something to irritate the male. A demon being upset was not expected to be pleasant. Maybe it'll clear up before the night ends…
Katherine found herself walking from her room, holding her nightgown. She was so looking forward to the hot water of a bath. She was only moments from that steam-filled heaven, a voice popping up, "Katherine, your bath will have to be put on hold." It was the demon butler himself.
All Katherine could do was sigh in irritation, "Not tonight. I'm tired and, until like you, I need sleep. So, I am going to take a relaxing bath and go to bed." Sebastian gave a shit-eating grin, giving a slight bow to the female, "Of course, My Lady. But perhaps another washroom would be better for you?" Katherine gave a 'no', opening the door, finding a certain elderly individual occupying the bathtub. All the elderly male said in return was a comical "Ho, Ho, Ho", Katherine hurrying in slamming the door shut, "Sorry!"
She gave a harsh glare at the butler, him still sporting a very amused grin, Katherine yelling at him, "You could've mentioned someone was already using it! I thought you were just trying to mess with me, like usual!" Sebastian gave a dark grin, "Well, I believe I tried to offer another washroom, which I happen to have one that is not being used, if you wish to—"
"Fine, I'll use it. But I am NOT sleeping with you tonight." Sebastian gave a mischievous smirk, "You won't tonight? So, am I to take it that you will sleep with me another night? And here I thought you were the innocent one here. Perhaps I was wrong?"
Katherine gave him a look that said she was beyond being embarrassed, "I meant I will not be sleeping in your room for another night! Why are you such a pervert now?!" Sebastian gave a simple answer of, "Come to me once you are finished and I will answer your question."
"So, I have to sleep in your room again? I just said I did not want to." Sebastian gave a very dark, yet sensual grin at the irritated female, "Now, Katherine, did I not tell you I did not want you lying to me?" With that, the butler walked away, going to the manor's kitchen where he still had to prepare for the next day.
Katherine brushed him off, going to get the bath she desired, sinking into the steaming water once it had been run. She sat there, minutes passing by, her mind elsewhere. Thought after thought entered her mind. She went back to Sebastian's words, them echoing in her mind.
Did I not tell you I did not want you lying to me?
The female found the butler's words from previous talks entering her mind, everything making her head begin to spin.
That is how a being like myself expresses emotions towards someone they fancy. Why, surely you discovered that out by now, no?
You belong to me, Katherine. Do you realize that? I admit to being jealous but, you see, demons are very difficult creatures, my dear kitten. Once we find something we like, we hate letting it go.
You may be mine only through words but soon, my dear kitten, you will be mine through body, mind, and soul." No one else is permitted to have you in any such way. I forbid such a thing.
The memory of Sebastian's lips came back to Katherine, her face getting warm from the memory of how his lips felt against hers.
No! I don't want him! I like him, yes, but I have not gotten to the point of wanting him. I did not enjoy sleeping in his bed, snuggling against him, inhaling his intoxicating scent…and I especially did not like waking up to…see his face.
Katherine sighed, looking at the water she sat in, "Do I like him? Am I truly just going through denial about it all? And does he already know? Sounds like he already does." She paused, getting frustrated, "I don't care whether I do or do not like him! But…" Her voice got soft once more, "I do enjoy being near him. I feel…protected, I suppose. It just feels better when he's there. But if I ever let him know, he'd only increase his teasing, which is slowly turning into more like harassment."
She got out of her bath, wrapping a towel around her, ready to dry off, "I think I left my clothes in his room…"
She cracked the door, looking at the demon's bed, sure enough seeing her night gown draped on the blanket. She poked her head out just enough to look from side to side. It was empty. "All right, I'll just grab it and dart back in here."
Katherine wondered out of the bathroom, only a towel wrapped around her nude form, grabbing a hold of her nightgown. Now, it was back to the bathroom to change.
"My, my, Katherine. I'm not sure what to think here. You claim you are innocent, yet here you are, in only a bath towel. I do not believe I am convinced of your innocent nature, my kitten." Katherine's hair stood on end—he was not in the room when she scanned it just seconds ago! So, when did he…?
"Sebastian! Don't just stand there, looking at my nearly-naked form! Turn around, something!" Katherine felt herself fall onto the butler's bed, her exposed back making contact with the sheets, a definite hold being placed on one of her wrists, the limb being gently pressed into the bedding, "Now, did I not tell you to refrain from ordering me?"
Katherine's icy blue orbs were wide, looking into the butler's glow, feline-like eyes, her words getting stammered, "Yeah? Well…well, don't be acting like some pervert waiting to pounce on his next victim and I won't be throwing such words out! You never acted like this before, Sebastian, and you can't deny that. You may have joked about seeing me with no clothes on but you never actually did something like this. I want to know why you are acting this way!"
Katherine felt the demon's lips not only brush against her neck, but she also felt them trail slightly down it, making a shiver go down her spine, his voice coming to her ears, "Why, you ask—for the simple reason that I greatly desire you, all of you. I desire your attention, your words, your smile, your scent, your affection, and…" He trailed off, his lips coming up to her ear, his voice low and raspy, "I greatly desire your body."
Katherine's heart skipped as she looked at Sebastian—what did he just say? Was it what she thought she heard? She had to have heard wrong. "Sebastian, I—"
She was cut off, "I believe I should mention something, so you can refrain from saying such words in the future." Katherine paused, waiting for his next words, his eyes getting a harsh look in them as he looked at the female, "Never claim that I do not care for your well-being or that I do not worry. Am I clear?"
The sound of his voice—Katherine had never been spoken to by the male in such a way. Was this why he seemed upset earlier? Katherine did not know he felt so protective when it came to her. She knew he'd helped her numerous times in the past but she thought that was all Ciel's doing. But she was wrong. Now she believed it was all Sebastian and really nothing concerning the Phantomhive child. So, he did care for her, then?
Her heart skipped, closing her eyes, "You're right. I was wrong to say such a thing. I was upset and did not think as I spoke. I'm sorry, Sebastian."
The demon pulled back, looking at her, seeing the actual look of regret in her eyes, his harsh stare easing up, yet not disappearing, "It is all right, as I know it will not happen again, I'm sure." She nodded, not able to look at him while he gave her such a stare.
"Go and get dressed. I will be here, waiting. You are to sleep in here tonight. I know you will be undoubtedly comfortable sleeping against my form, holding onto me while you dream. I must wonder…do I appear in your dreams as often as I must appear in your absentmindedness? It is a curious thing to ponder on." Katherine felt at least slightly better—he was back to his usual self, annoyance and all.
"I would not, as I do not remember my dreams. Now, please let me up? I feel as if you do actually enjoy pinning my form, covered in only a mere towel, to this bed." Katherine caught the wicked grin that formed on the butler's lips, the male pulling away from her, letting the female rise from his bed, the male speaking, "Maybe I do. Maybe I do not. I'll leave your imagination to wonder concerning those words, my girl."
He was back to normal all right. Even his impish side, which now usually held many hints of flirtatiousness, as back, no doubt to stay for some time. Katherine had to admit, she preferred him this way. She liked this Sebastian. I'll just never let him know that…at least not out loud, anyhow.
Well, that is it for this chapter. Bad? Good? Indifferent? Sorry for all the questions at the end of these but I just like to see if people enjoyed it. Is that a crime? I think not.
Well, I do have something in mind for the next 'big event', and will slowly be working towards that. I expect the story to get into that 'Arc' after at least two chapters pass by. There is still some information I have to put in the story to tie up a few loose ends. Oh, and I know that this was a "Christmas Chapter", sort of, and Kat got no present. That will change. This is already at twenty pages in Word and I wanted to tie the chapter up. She'll get something. Well, Kat and Sebastian's relationship seems to be moving along, even if it is kind of slowly. It's something, though, eh? Well, next few chapters will introduce two new characters, which came from a rather faithful reader.
I thank Miu for contributing her ideas and allowing me to use her own OCs. Of course, I will have a no doubt make a few very minor changes to make things fit together but I assure you the outcome will be grand.
Until next time, dear readers…
