Chapter 13 - Questions and Answers

(August 5, 1888)

For a few hours Sabrina remained in her room, refusing any visitors, though none actually went to her door. Ciel was very adamant on being sure Sebastian left the woman alone, even went all out and made it an order. It wasn't normal for Ciel to prevent the butler from doing as he pleased, but in Sabrina's case, she needed time to let things sink in. She was given a major blow on the identities of Vernon and Sebastian but that wasn't all. She even learnt the story of Grim Reapers were true as well.

Luckily for her, her room had a balcony and she was sitting out on the balcony, enjoying the view from above. The view she was given was the garden. From where she sat, she marvelled at the beauty, feeling at peace and even felt right at home. It made her wonder whose room this was when the family lived there. No doubt it was Sebastian who had brought her to this room the night they arrived and chose this one for her. He had good taste.

After a while there came a soft knock on the door of her room, just loud enough for her to hear it. What followed was the sound of a familiar voice of her friend, who she now knew was a demon and the man that had saved her life back in Canada.

"Lady Sabrina? May I come in?" He remained on the other side of the door, waiting for her reply, as a gentleman would.

It was no wonder she thought he was human. If she hadn't seen his wound close before her very eyes that night, she wouldn't have believed it.

Sabrina looked towards the door and hesitated a moment, not sure if she wanted to answer. But after a moment, she sighed, getting up. She went to the door and answered. At least it was the 'sweet' demon and not the manipulative, seductive one.

"Hello," she greeted. The look on her face gave easy indication she was exhausted from everything she had recently learnt, but her eyes glittered with comfort.

Noticing it immediately, he was cautious, being considerate in regards to what she must have been going through. Staying put unless she invited him in, he replied. "I came to see if you were alright."

"I'm surprised he didn't come," she responded. Referring to Sebastian.

"He's been ordered to leave you alone. It's one good thing about being in a contract. The demon must listen to their master." Vernon explained. "Earlier, you rushed off rather quickly, I was worried."

"Do you blame me?" she asked as she walked away, leaving the door open, which allowed him to know he could enter. "The whole reason you had me to come here was to be protected by Sebastian and Ciel from your common enemy, Raelinn. You knew my fiancé's murderer from the beginning, and felt bad for me."

She stopped by the bed, but kept her back to him. The tone of her voice told him she wasn't mad at him for his lies. She understood, she really did.

Following her in, he kept his distance. Vernon closed the door behind him so they could have their privacy. Despite knowing she wasn't mad, he couldn't help but feel a little guilty.

"Still, I am sorry for deceiving you like that. To be honest, I was hoping you would never learn the truth, but I know that was just a fool's dream. I had hoped by saving you, it would allow you a chance to continue your life and be happy. I never expected Sebastian to take such a liking to you."

She turned to him. "I'm not mad, and yes it was a fool's dream. You must have had an idea Raelinn wasn't going to stop until she killed me. You can't stand here and tell me you didn't give me a ticket to sail here for my happiness. You did it in hopes to get Raelinn off my tail."

Vernon didn't deny what she said was the truth. "Yes, there's that too. I knew they could protect you from her, and help you to get back on your feet. I was hoping to end the problem in the colonies." Giving her a sympathetic look. All the while he spoke to her, his hands were clasped behind his back, as he often did when he was just standing. "I know it must be hard for you to learn about us and the reapers in such a short period of time. I'll be sure to have Serena keep them away next time."

"You have no idea how confused I am about this whole situation," she paused. Walking over to the lounge chairs in front of a fireplace that was in her room, which earlier that morning after getting dressed, she noticed it was there. She took a seat and offered for him to take the vacant one. "Before everything went upside down, I thought I was happy. I was going to marry Edward Powell. Did you know the Powells are a very powerful family? They reside in Canada and here."

Taking her offer, Vernon sat down. "Yes I did, for the short time I was there. I even met them briefly." He wasn't going to tell her he didn't trust them in the least. She didn't need that right now. "Raelinn was our problem before she arrived in Canada. But for a year or so, we did lose sight of her. When we heard about the murders, Sebastian and Ciel had entrusted me to go on their behalf to investigate."

"So regardless," she sighed. "We were fated to meet. Raelinn was trouble for you, but then you lost sight of her and when word about the murders in Ontario happened, you actually traveled there just in time to save me." She snorted as she leaned her head back. "Quite the chain of events, even before we met."

Vernon agreed. He had never thought back then his trip would have ended like this. They were quiet a moment before Vernon began. "Tell me... you said to me earlier you wished your savior had let you die along with your fiancé. Is that something you still wish? I don't regret saving you, but I fear I may have caused you to suffer more unintentionally." He really wanted to know how she felt about the whole situation.

She looked at him a moment, confused but then remembered. She did say that. "Oh god!" she gasped. "I'm so sorry! You have to know, I didn't realize you were my savior." She sighed once again. "When I said that, I was so upset with everything that happened. I missed and still do miss Edward. At the time I wanted to die, but now all I want to do is live. There's so much more for me."

Vernon gave a very soft smile hearing that. "I'm glad... It's all right, I knew you didn't know and I was fine with that. Time heals all wounds, believe me." Turning to her a bit more in his chair, he placed a hand on hers that rested on her lap, as if to comfort her. "I assure you. No one here would ever harm you. I know Sebastian, and that's just how he is sometimes, but in the end you're safe. Even Serena is harmless, though she may not look it."

"Oh speaking of which. That day you showed up when we were having lunch. I remember you wincing when I hugged you. Why was that?" Her mind began to remember Mey-Rin going on about a bullet in the sink. "Did Adrian shoot you that morning?"

Taking his hand away. He had hoped she wouldn't have realized it, but it was only natural now that she knew the truth about his nature. "Yes... he did." Thinking about it now, if he hadn't been shot the first time, he would have never known to move at the last moment upon being shot the second time. If not for that, the bullet would have hit its target and most likely killed him.

She wasn't sure if she should be angry or relieved. "I guess you did the right thing then in going to Sebastian for aide. But you're a demon. Are you not immortal?" They were immortal, but they were not invincible. Each demon had his or her own vulnerable spot that could kill them. The only other way to kill them would be from a Grim Reaper's Death Scythe.

"Yes we are immortal, but that doesn't mean we cannot be killed. I didn't know until that moment that my heart was one of my vulnerable points. It's funny in a way, Sebastian and Serena have often told me I'm too soft hearted for my own good." What he didn't know was it wasn't just his soft heart but his behavior, which had a lot to do with it, as well as the kind of person he was. It all tied into his past.

"So because of the type of demon you are, not wanting to hunt down souls, it's made your heart a target. Adrian has guns that are produced by humans. That means any human gun can hurt you." Talking with Vernon was a lot easier than talking to Sebastian. She was able to absorb everything a bit easier.

Being honest with her, there was no need to hold back. "Yes, but it takes a skilled shot though. Demons are extremely fast. With our speed it's most likely they will miss." He took it slow so the information wouldn't overwhelm her.

"What about Sebastian and the female one, Serena was it?" she asked, curious.

"Serena, yes. I don't believe they have the same weakness as me. The only one weakness all demons are aware of is if we're hit with a reaper's scythe, like the ones you saw Grell and William carrying. We shouldn't have too much of a problem though. With Serena in a relationship with one of them, they leave us alone for the most part."

"That guy, William. He called Sebastian a demon scum, I take it that's because reapers and demons are not usually friendly to one another?" She was happy to have her friend in the room with her. She was letting the stuff sink in on her own terms now.

"Yes. Normally reapers and demons are mortal enemies. You probably can tell why. Reapers are meant to collect souls, where as we devour them and they're lost forever. This often leads to conflict between our races. Of course we can't really help it. It's like when a human that goes without food, only we can go without it for years at a time." He knew it was a risk to tell her that part, but in a way, maybe it would ease her fears about her soul being taken.

"You mean to tell me that Sebastian hasn't taken a soul for at least a couple years?!" Her eyes widened at this realization. That meant he had great self-control when it came to her soul. She actually should take that as a compliment.

Vernon nodded. "He hasn't taken another soul since he agreed to the contract with Ciel, which was a little less than three years."

She smiled. "Thank you. Thank you for telling me all this, and letting it sink in without rushing it on me. I know you all lied to me, but you did it for my protection and for that I'll be forever grateful. I just don't agree with Sebastian's methods. I wish I knew how he felt about me."

"I wish I could tell you, but I'm afraid it's hard, even for me, to tell what he's thinking at this point. He hasn't opened up in a very long time. I suppose that is the trouble with becoming one of us, it can be hard to hold onto what's left of your humanity." Getting up from his seat. "Perhaps in time you'll find out." He was going to leave her to rest for now. "I should check on Ciel, but think about what I said. Do you need anything before I go?"

She stood as well and walked over to him, hugging him. "Thank you so much for being my friend. I owe you my life." She paused, still holding him. "Yeah there is one thing you can do for me. When is dinner? I missed lunch."

Vernon smiled again, returning it. "It should be done shortly. I last saw Sebastian in the kitchen making it. I'll come get you when it's ready." Letting go after a minute, he added, "If you need me, you know where to find me."

She let go and stepped away from him. "Thank you again. I think I'd rather stay in here until then. I really don't want to face Sebastian right now. I have nothing against him, but I just need a little more time to let everything settle with me."

"I understand. Try to get some rest and I'll see you shortly." Vernon replied, taking his leave. Leaving the woman to her thoughts.

Sabrina turned back to the balcony, going back to her thoughts with admiring the view of the garden. She still had much to think about in regards to what everyone had said. If she were to form a contract with Sebastian, she would be guaranteed protection, but wasn't she protected enough? That was an answer she really wasn't fully sure on.

That evening, things had calmed down a bit, and Sebastian had kept to himself as ordered. By the next day Sabrina was feeling a bit better, given her time to think. As promised, Raelinn and Adrian hadn't found them. Though they knew they would return eventually. The morning had continued on as it normally did, with the butler helping her to get ready.

She found herself thinking of how the two demons were now; knowing Sebastian and Vernon were centuries old. She couldn't help but wonder what they were like then, and what happened to change them forever. With her back to him, he had his eyes blindfolded as usual. Currently, he was tying the strings of her dress.

"Sebastian," she began. "I've been doing a lot of thinking, letting everything sink in. But there is one thing that still eludes me. You told me both you and Vernon were once humans, and part of a church a long time ago. If you were both part of such a congregation, how did you become demons?"

Caught off guard by her question, she noticed he paused for a brief moment before continuing his work. He could remember it like it was only a few years ago, but it was something he rarely thought about anymore. "Yes well, it's complicated. Needless to say I lost my faith in what humans consider a 'god'." Finishing the strings, he moved onto the dress, being sure it was on properly. Sometimes he had to re-adjust the sleeves and then re-tie the stri.

"I figured that since you're a demon. I can't imagine God is kind to those who become demons. Something had to have happened for the two of you to lose your faith. People either go to heaven and become an angel or go to hell and basically become a demon. You became a demon, which means something happened to you to make you lose your faith."

Sebastian smiled, slightly amused by her interest. "You are correct. But then again, what child's faith wouldn't be shaken if they seen their guardian killed right before their eyes?" Sebastian admitted. He could laugh at it now, continuing to help her, unfazed. "I believed in a god, only for Vernon to be taken from me when the church collapsed on top of him during an earthquake."

"Vernon died in an earthquake? That's terrible. What would have broken his faith when he was a priest? You were just a child then." This conversation was producing more questions and she wanted to know. She wanted to know more about her friend and the man who was always seducing her.

"I believe that was when his adopted mother died at a young age. He loved her dearly. Even at that age I could tell he was trying to be strong for me and mask his sadness." What Sebastian didn't know about was there was a second and final a time when Vernon questioned his faith, during the last few moments before his death.

"What a shame. So he died and became a demon during an earthquake. I can't see how he would lose faith for the loss of his adopted mother. Back in those days, it was easy for people to die because people didn't know how to take care of themselves." She then frowned. "Why do I get the feeling you're trying to pull we away from the question I want to ask?"

"Hm? And what question might that be?" Sebastian was toying with her again. She couldn't help but think he got some kind of enjoyment out of it.

Abruptly, she turned and ripped off the blindfold from his head. "Damn you Sebastian!" she hissed. "You know what I want to know. Can't you just stop your damn teasing and tell me? If you want me to understand you, I have a right to know!" In doing that she had revealed his crimson eyes once more. Her reaction only made it all the more worth it somehow.

"You wish to know how I died? Am I right?" getting her to calm down before he began. " A few days later, you can imagine my surprise when he showed himself before me once more. Only now his eyes were a different color. In my eyes he was cheated out of his spot in heaven. The church thought of him as a hero, but I couldn't accept it so I left." His voice was stern on the last sentence knowing he meant it, but it quickly returned to its normal smooth tone. "He told me he couldn't stay with what he was, and wished me a long happy life." Unfortunately Vernon's wishes fell on deaf ears.

She grasped his hand. "You died because you gave up your faith in God after seeing Vernon as a demon?" she asked. "But you're a man. You were a boy when he died, and the two of you look about the same age. That means you died about 10 years later, at least."

Sebastian just continued to smile. "You're correct, I didn't die until later on. After Vernon left, I continued on with my life, but unfortunately I ran into some trouble with a nobleman... who proceeded to have me executed. With his rank in society, I didn't stand a chance. On the day of my execution, they left me to die when a familiar face came to my rescue. I was too far gone however for Vernon to heal me, and instead he turned me so that I could join him."

"And made you what you are today, which is a butler who knows how to infuriate me." Her eyes narrowed. "And for the record, you're the one who kissed me!" She was referring to the other night just before all hell broke loose. "You have been taking advantage of me all because you want my soul."

"That is our nature. You didn't seem to mind considering you kissed me the second time," the butler threw back, knowing he was asking for it.

She opened her mouth wanting to argue back, but the argument was lost on her. She did kiss him the second time. She closed her mouth and her brows furrowed. She then opened her mouth again. "What the hell do you expect from me?! You're the one who has been giving me signals since the beginning, and you nearly kissed me when we were shopping that day."

"Despite what you may think, I expected nothing in return. I kissed you merely because I wanted to. I do not know why." Which was half true. He didn't know why he lost control, but he knew the initial reason for kissing her. But he knew if he told her he wanted to consume her soul then and there, it would frighten her greatly. "You make it very hard for me to resist you when your soul reacts to every little thing I do. With this job I don't get much fulfillment, so I do what I can."

She gawked at him a moment. "Only because of what you do to me! I've only ever been with one man... And he never did anything you do to me! So this is your fault!" Of course he was doing things she never experienced before since she was completely 'pure'.

"Would you like for me to stop?" Sebastian asked suddenly, truly curious what her answer would be. Though he knew very well he wasn't going to.

She stopped and immediately turned away from him as her cheeks flared up. "I..." she stopped. She didn't want to admit she actually liked his advances. "Are you finished with my dress?" she asked suddenly, not wanting to continue that conversation.

Sebastian stifled a chuckle. He had all the answers he needed. "Just about. May I please have the blindfold back?"

She looked at her hand, remembering she ripped off the black cloth from his eyes. She then looked at herself before immediately blushing and opened her hand, silently, allowing him to take the cloth back. "Sorry..." she muttered as she clenched her eyes shut. Some of her cleavage was still showing, as he hadn't been able to fully set her dress in place before finishing.

Taking the cloth, he tied it back in place before finishing what he was doing. Not saying another word, he let the subject drop. The sight of uncovered flesh was all the reward he needed.

Finishing the task at hand, he removed it once more to use for the next time. "Is there anything else you need before I leave?"

Fighting down her blush, she turned to him. "I just have one more question. Yesterday, when I met the reapers, that one with the red hair. Why did he call you 'Bassie'? You all acted like you knew him from before."

Not necessarily liking the annoying reaper that made his skin crawl, he had a feeling she wouldn't know the connection. "That is because we recently found out he had been posing as the butler to Ciel's aunt, Madam Red. We're not sure why he did it, but unfortunately, during that time he seems to have developed a small crush on me and started referring to me by that nickname." The very idea repulsed him.

"Ew," she commented, giving a sour face. "That is revolting. Guess that would explain how you dodged him so easily. Ciel didn't really seem too impressed in seeing him here. Did something happen?"

Knowing the reason why all to well, it was because of one particular day. "Well you see he was a rather... incompetent butler. So Ciel's aunt had talked him into having me train Grell. And he made a rather large mess of things," Sebastian sighed. "Not to mention every so often he would threaten to atone for his actions by killing himself, and we found him dangling from the ceiling like a common ornament. It did not work of course."

"He hung himself?" She looked confused. "But I thought grim reapers were dead because they already killed themselves in life? That doesn't make much sense." She shook her head. "Hang on a moment. Wasn't that the day Lady Elizabeth arrived suddenly and both you and Ciel were grateful I was unavailable to witness what she did to the manor?"

Sebastian chuckled remembering the look on his master's face that day. Though he was not saved from it either, considering Lady Elizabeth had bought him a pink bonnet to wear and had to pretend that he liked it. "Yes, the very same. To my master's dismay she had decorated everything in the manor in bright colors, and ribbon, much like a young girl would like."

"I remember that day," she commented. "I wasn't really feeling well and lied to Ciel. He really didn't want me around anyway because of Grell was around. Later when I started to feel better, I saw you were washing the walls." She snorted. "I get it now. You were washing everything Lady Elizabeth did, and you sensed I was coming and slowed down. You're a demon, which means you can move extremely fast."

"You are correct. But then, I wouldn't be much of a butler if I raised suspicion from using it too often." Bringing a finger to his lips, he tilted his head oh so slightly. The expression he was wearing had to be one of his sexiest. "If you wouldn't mind not mentioning this to my lord that I told you. It is part of our contract that I may never lie to him. He wouldn't be too pleased with me if he found out."

She took a quiet inward of breath when he tilted his head. The look nearly made her want to melt.

"I won't," she breathed. Turning away from him, she moved to get her shoes to slide them on. "So what happened to Grell after that? I remember he didn't stay long at the manor."

"Well after that day my lord and I became suspicious, so I looked into it. After finding out who he really was, my master convinced his aunt to have him fired." Sebastian finished. "It was for the best. It was amusing the expression on Grell's face when she dismissed him in front of myself and my master."

"Glad to hear it." She shivered as she took a seat on her chair close to the fireplace. She got ready to put the shoes on. "He gave me the creeps the one day I met him. We never shared words, but that didn't stop the shiver that went up my spine."

"Reapers tend to have that effect on everyone. It's a wonder Serena is able to stand them." It was obvious Sebastian didn't like them. It would seem Vernon was right.

Sebastian saw she was about to put on her shoes and walked over, grabbing her ankle to slide the footwear into place.

She gasped. "I'm not your master. I can do that on my own thank you," she huffed, clenching her fists as his hand around her ankle was giving her goose bumps.

"I am aware. But you are still a guest in my master's home. For how ever long that will be, I will help you indefinitely without question." It was one thing he looked forward to. With a soul like hers, she wouldn't be leaving his sight any time soon.

His grip was so delicate and soft against her socked foot. She had to take a deep breath to prevent herself from squealing. His thumb was brushing against a sensitive part of her ankle and it tickled.

"But still..." she breathed, not wanting to squirm. "You never did this before." Of course usually she would have her footwear on before getting dressed, preventing him from doing it for her.

"I don't believe you would let me. You were always wearing them before I had the chance." he said, his voice as smooth a silk. Gently placing the shoe on her foot as if she were Cinderella. Doing the same for the other.

When he had both shoes on, she noticed he halted a moment, holding her ankle longer than needed. "Do you mind?" she half snapped. "That is my ankle and I need it to walk.

"My apologies." Giving her a smile before letting go. Standing, he had his hand over his chest playing the humble butler once more. "If that's all, I should be getting back to preparing breakfast." Playing off his infatuation with her soul, he made his way to the door.

She stood, happy his hand was off her body. "I'm not sure how I feel about you being a demon, since you are one, but I also want you to know I'm sorry for what happened to you in the past. You shouldn't have gone through that."

Sebastian turned to her once more. "You needn't feel sorry. It means nothing to me now. I got my wish, I just had to go to hell to get it." The man was entirely serious. There were even hints of his demonic nature in what he said. Taking his leave, he proceeded down the hall. Leaving the woman alone for now.