Hello, once more. Not going to put much here. New 'Arc' beginning, starting this chapter. I'm thinking of naming it the 'Clandestine Arc', with good reason.

Well, here we go.

"Hey, Ciel mentioned having a few guests stop by, I believe. Who are they and how long do they plan on being here? And please tell me it's not going to be another case that I get 'volunteered' for…"

Katherine found herself chopping some vegetables for a stew Sebastian wished to prepare for today's lunch, which would be include the finest ingredients, which consisted of pork, potatoes, carrots, onions, and a mix of spices that really only Sebastian knew, fresh bread being served as the side. She wasn't even sure why she was helping here, other than the obvious reason of Sebastian telling, erm, asking, her to do so. She chopped things so slow, when compared to the demon butler.

"Our guests consist of a young maiden named Alice Lydia Rose and her own personal butler, who goes by the name of Leigh Winchester. I do not know much about her faithful dog, but the girl comes from a rather impressive background, consisting of many generations of accountants, doctors, and other professions that exist in the 'higher' section of the world. Miss Rose decided to deviate away from such business, opening a large distribution chain that sells a wide variety of the best tea sets one can ever hope to buy. Few such sets have even fund their way in the manor, only to be sadly destroyed by the idiotic trio." Katherine felt a shiver go down her spine with the grin that had been plastered across the butler's face. She knew he got rather upset when a tea set was broken, but that look gave the impression he'd kill one for breaking such an item. Demons are odd creatures…or maybe it was just this demon.

"Well, I think it'd be nice to have a new face or two around here…and the people be normal, for a change. Anyway, what are you preparing with this, aside from bread and such?" Sebastian glanced at Katherine, a questionable look covering his features. What was he so confused about? Katherine continued, "I mean will it be served with anything? Just a bowl of stew is not enough for a child, or even an adult. Plus, last time I checked, a dish like this was not a favorite of your young master. Some people serve it over a bed of something, such as rice. It just seems to add a texture that fits it just right."

Serving it over rice? Sebastian never thought of preparing this dish in such a manner. He usually served it in multiple dishes, serving them with a slice or two of bread, and that was really it. Lunch was never seen as a grand meal, so he never spent too much time thinking about it. There was a slight problem with her suggestion, though, "I do like your suggestion, Katherine. However, there is not enough time to prepare any rice for the dish to be served with. Perhaps next time a stew is served?"

Katherine gave a smile, showing him a nice bowl of rice that was already prepared, ready to serve at any time. Sebastian was stunned, to say the least—she'd been near him through the entire cooking process. When did she manage to cook such a thing without him noticing?

It would seem that my blood might be changing her in ways I never thought it would… The butler mused in his mind, a smirk building inside the male. She didn't surprise him often, but when she did, he enjoyed every minute of it. Perhaps he was rubbing off on her in some ways. That possibility amused the demon even further.

"Why put something off for another day when it can be done here and now?" Katherine gave a smile, dishing out 'beds of rice' in shallow dishes, placing a nice amount of the prepare meat stew, placing all of the dishes on the cart Sebastian usually would wheel out to serve Ciel, as well any guests and the manor's workers.

"Terminѐ!"

Sebastian glanced once more at Katherine, who now held a look of victory in her eyes, her looking at him once she realize she was being watched, a sweat drop appearing, "Haha, sorry. Where I come from students can only finish secondary school if they take two years of a foreign language. I wanted to take Spanish, since it is said to be easier to learn, but my friend talked me into taking French with him. Sadly, out of two years, I can only remember a handful of words and near-to-no sentences."

A male friend, was it? Sebastian didn't know why but he would've rather it'd been a female friend who wanted Katherine in the class, rather than a male, "I see. French is said to be the language of romance, my kitten. Are you sure this friend did not just wish to speak such a language to you? Humans do try to impress one another in a variety of ways, if I remember correctly."

Katherine gave a faint blush, a butler gaining an immediate feeling of jealousy, as he knew she was remembering something she considered to be fond, the female speaking, "Well, it was the first, and only time a boy ever said 'I love you' to me, so that doesn't really surprise me. I was aware that this friend had feelings towards me for some time, but he never really acted on them until about our senior year. When we parted on the final day of school, he gave me a small folded-up note, which simple stated 'No matter where we are or what we do with our lives, please remember, my dear Katherine…Je vous ai toujours aimé.' I was horrible in French, so I had to look up to see what he had actually said. He was one of those types that did things just to mess with you, but doing it in a way that left you with a small smile on your face afterwards."

Sebastian looked at the serene look on his girl's face, feeling even more jealous now, "Then, I'm to guess he never saw, or perhaps even spoke to, you again?" Katherine shook her head, "No. We never did see each other afterwards. I wanted to enroll in a university, while he took on his family's business. We kept in touch for a while but then I never did hear from him after a few months of being apart." Sebastian gave a smirk, "Honestly, how meaningless…"

Katherine snapped her eyes in the butler's direction, a look of 'what…?' on her face, him continuing, "He claimed to have 'loved you', yet he dropped from your life after only a few mere months. And, yet, your kind attempts to justify his leaving with words saying it was unavoidable. To be truly deserving of such kind words would be to stay by one's side, sacrificing your own wants and needs, if it is needed. Your friend didn't lose contact with you due to life becoming too hectic, my dear, but rather he simply moved on, forgetting about you. To have you stand here, giving his memories praise and affection…greatly irritates me. I, a being said to be void of such feelings, can even see that he did not truly love you in the end."

Katherine looked at the demon, an unknown feeling coming over her. Why had he said such things? He knew she was fond of the time her and this friend had spent together, only to tell her that by his leaving her side, he was not worthy of her memories? "Sebastian…"

"Come, Katherine. Lunch needs to be served." He still seemed upset, his eyes still holding hints of envy. He was like this any time she mentioned a male that she seemed to be fond of, memory-wise. Was this jealousy? If so, it was an intense amount. "All right…" She said in a shallow voice, following him.

Sebastian paused once he wheeled the cart containing the prepared food to where Ciel and his guests sat, turning to Katherine, "It seems I have forgotten to serve the tea prepared specially to suit this meal. Can you please fetch it for me, Katherine?" Katherine's eyes told the butler she had been nearly insulted, her speaking in a very aggressive intonation, "I am not a dog, therefore I do not 'fetch' anything. However, due to us having guests, I will do what you so rudely asked…" Katherine retreated back to the kitchen, Sebastian's irritated appearance quickly being replaced with a sly smirk, which was replaced with a friendly smile, greeting everyone in the dining room, "I am terribly sorry for the delay, Young Master. Katherine will be back momentarily."

"Miss Alice, please sit back down! Miss Alice!" Sebastian watched a girl, appearing to be Katherine's age, walk toward the doors of the kitchen, the butler curious as to why the female was heading to such a place, "Miss, can I help you?"

"…" Was all the girl gave as reply, Sebastian noticing the girl's own butler walking towards her, "Miss Alice, I suggest you please sit back down. We are guests here, after all." Sebastian studied the girl's features, coming to a quick conclusion—this girl looked exactly like Katherine, except for her nearly-white hair. Her height, body shape, skin tone, and everything else was a near-exact copy to his own kitten's appearance.

"I only wanted to ask the maid for a simple glass of water, Leigh. I do not wish for tea right now." The female's voice was hushed, giving a definite frailness to her persona. Her butler seemed surprised by her behavior, "I could have gotten it for you, Miss. There is no need for you to get it yourself. It is my duty to serve you in any way I can." Sebastian was impressed by 'Leigh' and his faithfulness to his young mistress. He also noticed the pair was rather close to the door, which was, honestly, just an accident waiting to happen, "If I may make a suggestion to step away from—"

CRASH!

"…Nevermind."

Katherine rested on the floor, her maid uniform drenched with the hot water from the tea, the female howling in pain, "Ow, ow, ow, hot, hot hot!" All the butler could do was give himself a slight facepalm, Leigh bowing to Katherine's tear-threatening form, "Forgive me, Miss. I was not able to move my mistress in time. I take the blame and will receive any punishment given."

Katherine attempted to put a brave face, giving a strained grin, "Punishment? This was no one's fault. This is the Phantomhive Manor, where much worse than some spilt, scalding, tea happens. I'll just head up stairs..." Her voice got quite hushed afterwards, "And pray my skin isn't badly burnt."

Lunch passed by without a problem, other than the spilt tea, which Sebastian complained about needing to be prepared again, since the first had gone to waste. Katherine and Sebastian now found themselves cleaning up the kitchen, as well as cleaning whatever dishes were used for lunch, Katherine expressing her thoughts quite strong to the butler, "I can't believe you! 'The black tea, which had been ordered specially from Nepal, was completely wasted. That was perhaps the finest quality tea in our current possession.' What the hell, Sebastian?!"

"That certain tea had been a kind the young master had wanted to try for some time, however it was often out of stock. To add on, the price was indeed higher than most of the tea we have imported."

Katherine through a spatula at the butler, the demon easily dodging it, "You seem upset, my dear."

Katherine glared daggers at the male, whose face held a look of indifference, furthering upsetting her, but before she could express her fuming emotions, he asked a question out of the blue, "Katherine, how long have you been having nightmares?"

Her fury was instantly replaced with confusion, "Nightmares? I dunno, perhaps a month or so. Why?" Sebastian dried off the plate he had dried, putting it in its proper place, grabbing another, "Are you aware you whine while sleeping? You also have a habit of gripping the sheets quite tightly, as well as anything nearby."

Anything nearby—did that mean she had gripped onto him in such a manner while she slept? She fell silent, speaking only once, "I do not know. I told you, I don't remember what I dream about."

(#)

A few days had passed, Katherine and Alice getting along quite well, the timid girl taking an immediate liking to Kat, much to Leigh's delight. He had served the fragile-spirited girl for some time, knowing all too well that she did not venture out of her shell much. For her to take someone else as a friend made him smile inside, however, the same could not be felt for the manor's butler. He did not know why but he did not like when the butler was around, despite the male's usual friendly grin.

It was the day before New Year's Eve and the day had passed by rather slow, nothing really amusing going on. Alice and Leigh had been given temporary residence in the manor, the duo apparently looking for something in the vicinity. Currently, it was nearly ten at night, the manor itself being rather silent and peaceful, much to Katherine's enjoyment. Sebastian had been off getting his young master ready for bed, the trio doing whatever finishing chores they had to do before bed, and Katherine found herself sitting on the same sofa she fell asleep on when Mister Albane had been visiting, taking a break from her dusting, which never seemed to end.

A weak voice chimed in, Katherine knowing it as Alice's well by now, "Miss Katherine, can I ask you a question?" Katherine sat in the manor's Family Room, which was usually the quietest area in the entire estate, ironically. The only thing she did not like was that practically anyone could get away with hearing a private conversation with ease, even more so if they were extremely silent in their movements. Alice sat with Katherine, the two females having one of their usual conversations during Katherine's cleaning break, "Sure, what do you want to know? And, for the final time, you are our guest, so you do not have to speak to me with such formality."

The delicate girl gave a small smile, her innocent nature making her appear to be nearly child-like, "Do forgive me. I am not good when speaking to people. I usually have Leigh take over, only speaking if needed. Most see me as being arrogant and conceited for such behavior, but, in reality, I am quite shy and easily startled." Katherine did not mind, honestly. She urged the girl to continue with her question, the girl's voice taking over, "Well, do forgive me, but I overheard you and the manor's butler speaking and…well, he said you have frequent nightmares? You even shake when dreaming. I am not forcing you to say anything or explain, because I know you cannot explain."

"Huh? How did you know—" Katherine was interrupted, Alice's pastel eyes staring into Katherine's own pastels, "Because we are much alike, you and I. I, too, have dreams. I know things but have no idea what they are or how I know them." Katherine was lost—what was this girl talking about? "What do you mean 'you know things'? What kind of things?" Her answer stunned Katherine to a high degree, "I know Sebastian is not human. I am not sure what he is, but I know he is not human…and neither are you."

Katherine gave a small smile of reluctance, "Alice, I do not know what you mean. Yes, Sebastian, is not your average person but—"

"It's all right. I did not expect you to agree with my words. You care for Sebastian and I know he cares for you. I can tell by the way he looks at you, you know?" Katherine knew Sebastian possessed feelings towards her but she was not sure she would base that on the looks he would give her—as most of those looks anymore appeared to be rather animalistic, "I don't know…I understand where you're coming from but I'm not sure Sebastian possesses the feelings you're thinking of." The white-blonder-haired girl gave Katherine a look that hinted fear inside her, "I know how he feels towards you, as someone else feels the same way. And both are the same, and in many ways. Things are ahead for you, most being choices that will leave you questioning everything you know and feel."

The able butler was nearby, catching every word exchanged between the females, the male gaining suspicion towards Alice's words. Part of it seemed to be nothing but a friendly warning, while the rest could possibly be considered a threat towards his dear Katherine. Still, he had his master to protect with his life, if it came down to it. But he had already made it clear that Katherine was well protected.

Katherine attempted to switch the conversation from something dismal to something a bit happier, "So, Alice, how did you and Leigh come to know one another? Was he with you from your childhood and on? He seems to be very fond of you and very loyal."

Alice found herself looking at the floor, a pleasant smile plastered on her lips, "Yes, he is the utmost loyal and always there for me. We were childhood friends, us meeting due a random meeting. I was always sickly, leaving me vulnerable most of the time. My parents were listed among the healthy, gaining a high status for their unsurpassed accounting and other skills in the world of business. I was kidnapped, being held for ransom when I was at a fragile age of seven. I was gone for only three months, yet it felt like years. I remember being so scared. And when all hope seemed to fade, Leigh came. He rescued me, taking me back home, where he was greatly rewarded. He was nothing impressing, visually, but I did not care. He saved me, and I was very grateful."

Katherine was stuck on something, "He saved you? You were only seven at the time but he doesn't appear to be much different than you, age-wise. So, how was he able to save you from kidnappers, who were no doubt rather skilled at their 'jobs'?"

Alice gave a nod, her innocent eyes glancing at Katherine, "He might not have been strong but he was smart. I believe his wit saved me. Later on, after my rescue, he said he had to leave but would be back within three days. And, sure enough, he was. He held a small suitcase, a rather determined look in his violet-hued eyes. He vowed to protect me, feeling it was his duty. My parents thought he was crazy but I felt the connection. He's been with me ever since, never leaving my side."

Katherine gave a smile, looking at the Family Room's rug, her mind drifting off. Alice's story is kind of like my own. Only I wasn't kidnapped, per say. I still wish I knew how I got here. I am from the 21st century, yet I have been living in the 19th century for going on four months. New Year's is just around the corner, after all. "Sebastian rescued me, too. I am still not sure where I was at, but I assume it was some occult ceremony. It was horrible. I still have bad dreams about it, when I am able to remember my dreams, that is. He and Ciel just happened to be on a case, suspecting the group to be affiliated with drug smugglers or something similar. I was lucky to be found by them, very lucky. I suppose that could be one reason I put up with so much from Sebastian and his pesky taunts."

Alice gave a single nod, looking at the frills on her dress, "I see. Then, yes, you would be rather grateful to him, and perhaps even more tolerable than most." There was a silence between the girls, Sebastian's voice coming into play, "Katherine, there is still work to do. I believe you have had a long enough break." Katherine looked up at the demon butler, "Fine, fine. What do I need to do, then, Mister Butler?"

Sebastian made his way down the stairs to the balcony, stopping in front of the maid, "You can help me in a number of ways, so please follow me. Mister Winchester, I believe, is ready to get our young guest ready for bed. You would not wish to keep him waiting, now would you?"

Katherine got to her feet, looking at Alice, "He is right. It is rather late, and I still have a few things to finish before I can go to sleep. Please do sleep well, Miss Alice. Good night to you and Leigh." Katherine was escorted away, Sebastian at her side after Alice gave her own 'good night', the young miss raising from the sofa, meeting Leigh, her smile fading slightly.

Leigh gave the girl a look of empathy, speaking afterwards, "Mistress, you know why we are here. Please do not do anything rash. I feel you are getting very close to that maid. We were sent here by my father for a reason. I do not wish to see you get hurt." Alice gave her butler, and friend, a returned look of her own empathy, "I know, Leigh. It's just…I feel something between her and me, like I did when you asked to stay. She's kind of like me. It's comforting to find someone else."

Sebastian, once he and Katherine were completely away from all ears, gently pushed her against the nearest wall, Katherine taken aback, "Sebastian, what are you doing?" The butler's carnelian eyes fixated on Katherine's soft blue, his palms resting on either side of the wall she found herself against, sort of pinning her in her spot, "You are being careless, Katherine, and I do not think it is very wise of you."

Katherine gazed into the demon's eyes, which were steady, their depths being unrelenting, yet still sincere, "How am I being careless, Sebastian? I am merely being friendly to our guests, nothing more. Do you ever consider that perhaps instead of me being too careless, you're being too protective? I'm glad you care but you're being rather overbearing. I will be fine, trust me."

Trust her? The demon never trusted anyone other than himself, let alone to trust a human. He smirked at the female, gently caressing her face, "I will never let anything endanger your life, Katherine. I do not care the age of the being, what they are, or how healthy or unhealthy they might be. My master is indeed my number one priority, meaning I even put my life before his, for the sake of the contract. You, however, I hold no such obligation, yet I still protect you to the same degree. I have told you that I will never let anything or anyone ever steal you from my side." His lips came close to her ear, the butler finishing his thoughts, "And I never tell a lie."

Katherine looked at the butler's eyes, the orbs holding a rather sinister allure, but there was something else, deep down in their depths—security. How could such an ominous gaze still hold an emotion that gave Katherine a feeling of such comfort? Why did this man, a being said to be the embodiment of darkness, give her such feelings?

She looked into the butler's eyes, "I know what you're saying…and I think I might even understand everything but I cannot fear everything, hiding behind you, and still live in this world. I doubt a demon ever trusts anything other than himself, and I suppose you don't have to, but you cannot keep a leash on me. I roam free, and yes, I get hurt, no doubt more than I should. That is how I am and I want you to understand that. I do not hide behind anyone or anything and if something tries to tie me down, I fight with all I have. Don't make me fight you, Sebastian…I don't want to."

The butler felt something stir inside him, the male not knowing what it was. She did not wish to fight against him, wanting room to move freely. Could he give her such a thing? He was quite possessive of her and he often wanted to have her do whatever he wanted her to. This was something rather new to the demon.

Katherine spoke again, "So, just give me some leash and let me do things how I wish to. I'm not asking you to never interfere, but more of stopping me when I do something too reckless. Falling down is not a bad thing. It is life for us humans. It is how we learn. All I ask is for you to be there when I need be pulled back to my feet. I know I am reckless, a klutz more often than none, stubborn, childish and rather naïve, and I may be young but I am still able. It's who I am...and what I am. You can't protect me from everything. Eventually a time will come where I will have to stand on my own two feet, relying on only me. What will you do when that time comes, where you can't save me, placing me under your wing of protection? I don't want you to answer that, but think on it. Now, I have stuff to do. I shall see you when you are finished with everything."

The young maid walked off, leaving the butler silent as he watched her form fade in the distance. No one had ever spoken to him in such a manner. Perhaps he had mistaken Katherine as being a feeble human, needing protection from everything. Or was that just how he wanted things to be? Did he want her to be completely dependent on himself?

I believe I am beginning to see why humans are such complex creatures…and why falling for one only delivers a multitude of headaches. No matter. I will give what she asks for, giving her the 'extra leash' she requested. But demons are creatures of the dark, so she can bet I will always be watching her from the shadows. After all, I cannot just allow her to do whatever she pleases. But, for the time being, I will play by her rules, as she wishes.

Reeeoooowwww…

The butler gave a smile, picking up the small black animal that had somehow managed to wander inside the manner. As he held the adorable creature, he felt the animal begin to purr softly. He looked at the feline's eyes, seeing their shade to be a brilliant green, the feline jumping away once Sebastian had opened a window. Cats were such independent creatures, never relying much on their human owners, unless they desired something, only to return to their freedom after getting their desire fulfilled.

A shit-eating grin came upon the butler's features. It was yet another way his girl truly resembled a kitten, the female greatly enjoying her own freedom, retreating back to the demon when she needed his attention. But his kitten was not yet a full grown, still learning many things from day to day. Some day, she could mature into a cat. This he knew, but was he okay with it? He could not answer that, and be completely honest with himself.

He had to admit, this strong, independent side Katherine had shown—it greatly stimulated something inside the demon's core. Female demons were much like this, only showing any form of dependency when a contract was created.

Amaranth. Half angel, yet, half demon. Such a girl would be quite intriguing, to say the least. And now it seems my Katherine is showing more and more of such a nature. Perhaps this scorned hybrid and my girl have more in common than once thought?

The demon began to wander back, finishing his chores, a crack of pure fascination present inside the demon's core.

Now truly intriguing.

And there you have it. I know, not much happened here. Alice and Leigh are characters given to me, so I hope I got their personalities and such right. Comments? Message or comment them, please.

Until next time…