You're going to wait on the next chapter of BP. Why? Because I wanted to write this first. I've really got to stop doing what the readers want and write what I want. Special thanks to Amai-chan for giving me the inspiration to get straight back to work on this piece.
And I'm really surprised with the feedback. I thought I was going to get murdered for taking things to this new light. So, a big thanks to everyone that reviewed! I've always wanted to write a more extensive fic with Chrno in this manner, but I was always being too worried about what readers would think.
Reader Responses: (This is going to take up quite a bit of room...)
Tifa Hikari - Glad you like it so far. XD That's the way he's going to be in this fic, so expect it. lol
TakeMyPainAway - Nice to hear that you liked CI. I'm having a lot of fun with Chrno in this, even if he is a bit OOC. Thanks for the review!
blabityyloloco - Continued XD
Mase-chan - I have continued. XD And this chapter is very, very intense. In more ways than one. Hope you continue to enjoy the fic.
A-chan - I'm taking the story places, alright. :x hehe Thanks for the review.
maggie - He's still in his smaller form, for the time being. That is subject to change, due to what happens at the end and something to take place next chapter. You'll see. :D
Jazzy Uchiha - Glad you like it and I have indeed made another chapter.
Outsane - Sorry, but this beckoned to be continued first. Cliffhangers are needed to keep things alive, though.
bluestarlight922 - I'm honored that you'd think that. I have indeed continued.
Angelstars - Oh yes, I have continued and have definitely brought on the lime. You have been warned! Thanks for the review!
wolfgirl17591 - I'm glad you think so! I hope it doesn't disappoint.
Silverwolf08 - Yes! Continued! Hope the work remains satisfactory, at least.
Squee Doodles - Yup, poor Rosette. And things only tend to get worse. Um, where it ends up gets even more complicated.
YokoYuyGal - I have updated and I'm not stopping! Thanks XD
Shelby - You're right, of course. And I have continued!
Hitomi-+-Inuyasha - Yes, I have definitely continued! Other sides to Chrno are really fun to experiment and play with. Though I tend to push things to the limit. By the way, OOC stands for "Out of Character". Thanks for the feedback!
c-fox - Right you are! OOC will happen to some extent. I do tend to push limits, however. Writing that side to Chrno is awfully entertaining.
Dajza - Yes, he does need a whooping. And will he get it yet..? Guess you'll have to see. hehe
Lillian Claire - Oh, I know what you mean. I adore writing him that way, even if it's a little OOC to some extent. Hope the story doesn't disappoint. Thanks for reviewing!
c-vega - Yes, I love his darker side. Hope you enjoy the new installment.
Amai - Don't tease me! (cries) I'm embarrassed enough, really! And...and...You're writing a lemon, so NYAH!
Aoi - I have updated. Glad you like the idea.
Daughter of Bast1 - You'll get to see a "chat" this chapter, that's for sure. hehe And I do tend to push Chrno to his limits. I give him reasoning, but only to an extent. Anyway, hope you enjoy this chapter.
psychotic KAT - Glad you do! Thanks!
blessed-indian-rose576 - Cuz? As in cousin? Do I know you? oO Or if that's just a mutual greeting, then okay. But I was just curious. Anyway, I have updated.
Centauri Cruxis Angel - I hope that your hoping will be placated partially with this chapter. hehe Chrno is still having his limits pushed by me. OOC or not, I'm enjoying writing this.
Eloraya - I have continued it! Thanks a lot for the support. I don't deserve such compliments, but I'm grateful nonetheless. Thank you!
CopyCatShinobi - Oh, yes. Darker Chrno is lovely. I'm having a great time with this. And thus, I have indeed continued.
diablo gato - More, it is! Chrno gets even more intense, though.
Anime Otaku - He'll express much of his demonic tendancies this chapter. Yes indeed. Hope you continue to enjoy the fic!
Maiden of the Moon - I wholeheartedly agree. Darkish Chrno is very sexy. And therefore I have way too much fun writing this fic. XD
Racheru-Chan - You'll get your wish in this chapter. hehe Thanks!
cathrun - Yes, I have decided to continue! Glad you like it.
PRoyalAngel - hehe Just wait. hehehe
JasmineScent85 - Thanks for your continued support on everything! (hugs again) It really is interesting to write Chrno in this light, so I'm having a good time with it. And thus I have continued.
maria - Really? LOL. This chapter might be a little more intense than funny, though. eheh.
SaKK - Um, here's the lime! hehe Yes, Matthew is quite the horny jerk. You'll see what happens.
MLG - Oh, there's definitely some action between them in this chapter. You have been warned!
nezokas - I have continued!
moondagger666 - oo... ehehehe...I updated?
Garnet - Glad that you think so!
elyssalyn - I have continued! I have! Really! ...Read on if you dare. XD;
Zilleniose - Yes, yes. That boy will get what he deserves. hehe
Jibbitessa - I had more support than I thought, lol. But I'm greatly enjoying writing this, so of course I continued!
Ali - Glad you enjoyed it so far. I will warn you though, I really tend to push poor Chrno to his limits. It's awfully interesting to write from my point of view, though.
Fairy Tail Faerie - Yes, I have continued! I'm glad you're interested in it so far.
Little Girl in the Hat - He does inspire hatred, doesn't he? hehe
Quicksilvermad - Yup, that's truth behind him. Which I hope offers to make him appear less OOC. I do push his limits. But here's more!
Mithrenriene Rochmabriel - Glad you think so! And I have continued.
vasney - He only gets moreso, especially in this chapter. And I have indeed continued.
inuyasha and sara - Yes, I like this version of Chrno, too. So much fun to write...and thus of course I kept writing!
Moon Kitty 2005 - I'm really glad you like it so far. There's a more intense bit of lime this chapter though, so be prepared.
Thank you all! You have my eternal gratitude for your support and feedback! (glomps and huggles everyone) You really make it easier for me to sit down and get the ideas and writing flowing!
Okay...
There is lime in this chapter, you have been warned. Turn back now or prepare to taste citrus.
Hope you continue to enjoy, and please review if you can spare the time!
Disclaimer (since I forgot it last chapter..): Chrno Crusade and all of its characters do not belong to me. However, that horny male exorcist from Florida, named Matthew Riverston, does. He gets to do the janitoral work in my house.
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Crossing the Line Chapter 2: Complications and Revelations
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Rosette Christopher was ready to collapse.
The day had been full of confusion, tension, and generally unsettling feelings, words, and actions. The poor blonde teen had just about as much as she could possibly take.
It was time for a nice hot bath, and then the solace of warm and inviting bedcovers. She was almost beginning to relax, merely thinking about it.
However, just as she began undoing the white covering of her habit, a sturdy knock sounded against the door of her dorm room. Releasing a defeated sigh, she abandoned her task and promptly wrenched the door open. "Yes?" she questioned curtly, already begin to feel the aggravation re-well inside her.
"Miss Rosette?"
Oh God no...
"Mr. Riverston," she replied icily. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?"
The brunette almost appeared to look bashful, rubbing the back of his head in shame. "Well, I wanted to apologize," he spoke meekly. "I got carried away earlier today and I really didn't mean for that to happen."
Before the wide-eyed Sister could form a reply, he presented her with a single, beautiful, and freshly cut red rose. The firey exorcist blinked at the gift, her gaze shifting from the soft flower to Matthew's boyish features. "A rose...for me?"
He chuckled, smiling brightly back at her as she hesitantly accepted the fragile offering. "Well, I thought it was kind of cute, since it almost shares the same name with you."
Rosette blinked. That almost sounded...thoughtful. And despite her irritation with the male Florida-native, she felt a blush rise to her cheeks.
This was the first time she'd received a flower from a boy.
"Well, um..."
"It's okay," he interrupted with a wave of his hands. "I just wanted to say I was sorry for my actions." Matthew paused a moment, green eyes fixing upon blue. "I really do like you, Rosette. And I would like to get to know you better, if you don't mind."
That didn't sound so terrible. Perhaps she hadn't given Matthew Riverston enough of a chance. Everyone could make mistakes. And she could definitely relate to that.
"Okay," the young nun agreed with a small smile. "We're going to be a team, after all."
"That's right!" He grinned more widely, stealing a leisurely glance at her neckline when she turned her head to the side. "You, me, and the runt."
She started, a feeble gasp escaping her throat.
Chrno.
Amidst Matthew's surprise visit and the flower frenzy, she'd forgotten about what had happened. His words, his actions...
She didn't want to sound conceited, but it made her wonder...
Did Chrno see her in a way other than merely a friend? The demon was definitely hinting at something now...and quite forcefully, at that.
Unlike Matthew, the thought of her long-time companion seeing her in that manner made her heart give an unnatural flutter and beat a little faster. And when he kissed her...
"Rosette?"
The blonde snapped out of her thoughts, noticing her breath had quickened slightly. "Er, Yes?"
Emerald eyes glinted with mirth as he laughed lightly. "Caught up in a day dream? That's the third time I've called your name."
She laughed in turn, though her cheeks were still a little flushed from her contemplation. "I'm just a little tired."
The male exorcist nodded. "Yeah, it's pretty late. I wanted to make sure I could apologize as soon as possible, though. I hope I didn't disturb you too much."
"It's alright," she assured. "Thanks for the flower, Matthew."
"My pleasure," he remarked charmingly as he turned to walk down the hall, smirk unseen by the female exorcist.
As the young man disappeared down the stairs and out of view, suddenly no less than five doors creaked open around Rosette, revealing the faces of giggling and glaring Sisters, alike.
"Rosette has an admirer!"
"Oh, a rose! And that Matthew is undoubtedly handsome."
"No fair, Rosette! You already have Chrno!"
"He likes you! He likes you!"
"Are you going to get together with him?"
The blonde girl's eyebrows had long since skyrocketed up out of sight, watching the scene around her with a severely heated face and clutching onto the door frame tightly with one hand.
"I-It's just a flower!" she choked out finally, causing the females around her to chuckle once more.
"A rose, for Rosette. How fitting."
"Oh, and it's a red one, Mary!"
"My, my! What will Chrno think?"
"Nonsense! Chrno is just her partner and friend. Go for it, Rosette!"
Turning steadily redder by the second, the blonde Sister whirled back into her room, quickly slamming the door behind her. She could still hear the girlish giggling and stifled whispers, muffled by the closed wooden barrier.
The whole of the female exorcist body was going to have the rumors spreading like wildfire before morning.
This was the last thing Rosette needed, or wanted.
After placing the solitary rose on her bedside table, the exhausted blue-eyed girl decided she needed that bath more than ever.
ooooooooooooooooooooooo
It was impossible to stop thinking about it. About her. About what he'd done. But no matter how much shame he inwardly felt for his actions, he didn't regret them at all.
Something inside him had snapped when he caught the male exorcist's scent on his partner earlier that day, out by the greenhouse. And the demon hadn't even tried to fight himself for control.
Chrno found he could no longer let things take their course while he stood silent and immobile on the sidelines. He followed his urges, the ones he commonly used to ignore for the sake of taking things slowly. And the crimson-eyed boy wasn't sure if his advances were unwelcome or not, as of yet. Rosette, though appearing confused, did not seem to throw off or shy away from his new attentions.
Had she been that easy-going with Matthew as well?
The mere thought caused his hand to fist into the bed sheet, harsh creases bunching between his fingers. It's not that he thought his Contractor was open to sexual advances, but rather that she didn't have any experience with it, as far as he knew. She could be tricked or taken by surprise, even by that disgusting human boy.
And there was no way in hell he would stand for that happening again.
Matthew Riverston would not be in the picture for long. And until the Sinner found a way to fully push the green-eyed Florida-native out of the frame, he'd make sure the creep didn't get any closer to Rosette.
Maybe he'd been wrong to be so passive all these years. Rosette Christopher wasn't a little girl anymore, not by a long shot. He had noticed her subtle and not-so-subtle changes, but had forced himself to stay back and refrain from moving any closer to her. She was still too young in his eyes. Chrno had even felt downright terrible for stealing that one kiss from her.
He loved her. That much he was sure of. And as far as he was concerned, there was no man out there who could stand to his claim. Especially not Matthew Riverston.
From now on, he'd give his blonde companion the benefit of the doubt. She wasn't a child any longer. Rosette Christopher was a desirable young woman, still untainted in her maidenly charm. Therefore he would treat her like one.
If he didn't begin to move forward on his own desires, he was sure he would lose her.
Matthew wasn't going to be the last to be attracted to her in such a manner. Now that she had grown into a beautiful young woman, she would turn more heads, and more eyes were certain to follow her lithe form. And it would only be a matter of time before hands wished to touch her, or even more.
The era had changed drastically within the fifty years he'd slept. Women were free to choose who they wanted to be with, who they allowed to court them, who they responded to. It was no longer pre-arranged by the girl's family or a higher authority. She was free to mate with whomever she pleased.
However, the young Sinner couldn't see himself allowing another male to take his blonde Contractor away from him, even of her own choosing. Selfish as it was, he wasn't going to give her away to anyone. The two of them were bound by soul. And there was no man who could offer her a deeper and more meaningful connection than that.
Therefore no other male deserved to have her.
It was clear that Rosette did care for him. And she had not yet withdrawn from any of his spontaneous advances upon her. Sometimes he could even swear he saw something within the depths of her sapphire eyes...something meant just for him.
He was still ahead. Farther than the Riverston boy, as well as anyone else that might cross her path.
The crimson-eyed boy's instincts were screaming at him to take things to the next level. He'd always buried those desires and feelings deep within himself, afraid of what might happen if he ever set them free. And now his resistance was all but hanging by a single, fragile thread.
Though he appeared to be a child, was often treated like a child, and sometimes even behaved like a child before the eyes of others, the true fact remained under the surface.
He was not a child.
Perhaps Matthew didn't know that as of yet, but Rosette did. He could see that acknowledging flicker in her eyes when he turned his seemingly boyish red orbs her. Though she was quite comfortable with his little form, she could still feel the truth. The blue-eyed exorcist did not hide from it, or from him.
A rush of possessiveness swept over him as he clenched the cloth tightly once more.
She knew and she didn't care.
His Contractor didn't try to pretend he was something he wasn't, to placate fear or any other negative emotion that could be felt in his presence. The fiery blonde readily accepted him for who and what he was, regardless of the multitude of hesitations and precautions one would normally take when faced with someone so different. She didn't even hold a grudge or a fear related to the pocket watch, her soul, which she rested into his unworthy hands.
Even now, as he let the light of his inner and darker feelings reach the surface, Rosette did not pull away from him or retract from his touch. She was obviously confused and perhaps startled, but she was melting into his advances very quickly, and allowed him to take the dominant role.
Rosette was never passive about anything. She'd never allow anyone to lead her or willingly follow another's command and direction. His blonde partner was stubborn to the last.
And now she'd allowed a tiny hidden niche within herself to open and let him in, to guide her and protect her as no other living being ever had the chance of being granted.
Another wave of hot emotion poured over him, scalding him from the inside out.
He had to have her for his mate.
Matthew Riverston and the whole of the world's male population were free to challenge him if they dared. He'd wipe the floor with every last one them.
No one would stand in his way.
No one would take what was within his reach.
No one would have his Rosette.
Clawed hands clenched and unclenched violently, a subtle tearing noise issuing forth as the coarse linen tore within his grip. The inner callings and urges were becoming too strong to handle, too alluring to fight.
Rising fluidly from his seated position, the violet-haired demon whisked out the door, following the distant, inviting glow of his partner's aura.
It was time to pay his Contractor and unexpected nightly visit.
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Absolute bliss.
A content and thoroughly relaxed, almost happy sigh released from the blonde girl's lips as she leaned farther down into the steaming liquid. The bubble solution clung to her limbs, encasing her buoyant skin in thick white foam. The room and bath were shrouded in darkness, but very cozy. Only the moon shed a small shred of light near the entrance door.
The day's events and troubles seemed to just dissolve and rise with the heated steam of the bath water, lifting completely off of her tired shoulders.
Despite the lovely relaxation the sapphire-eyed girl was nearly drowning in, she kept one ear open for any approaching feet. Sister Kate would be downright livid if she found the blonde sister abusing bath privileges at one o'clock in the morning. She hated to even think about the punishment she might endure for this stunt. Breaking no less than four rules in a matter of minutes...
Her peripheral vision suddenly flickered and she stiffened, silently praying that it was her imagination. No one would be up at this hour, right? Even Sister Kate, the stoic workaholic, should have turned in by now.
Sinking a little farther into the bubbly froth, she tugged the edge of the curtain more tightly to the side, obscuring herself from outside view. If she could just hold her breath for a few moments, any person that might be out there would leave without another thought.
Just a few seconds...
"Rosette."
A small thump on the side of the bath accompanied the whisper of her name, causing the poor girl to yelp and nearly submerge herself in the process.
"I'm sorry!" she whispered in a strained and panicked hiss. "Please don't take away my driving rights! I won't do it again, Sister Kate!"
The shadow beyond the curtain shifted, lowering to lean against the back of the bathtub. "It's me, Rosette."
The blonde exorcist felt all the heat of the steam and water suddenly rush to her face like a magnet. "C-Chrno-?" she squeaked, nearly submerging a second time as the water splashed from her arm's sudden slip.
"I needed to speak with you," he spoke, his voice deep and almost entrancing in nature.
The foam-covered girl swallowed heavily, urging the extreme heat to recede. "Chrno, this is the women's bath!" she hissed out, still trying to keep her voice to a minimum, now more than ever. "You're not allowed in here!"
The demon seemed to shrug lightly in response. "You're breaking the rules as well, so I'd say we're even."
Embarrassment and stunned anger fought for dominance within her. "Get out, Chrno! NOW!"
The water wavered with a small sloshing noise, but the figure on the opposite side of the waterproof cloth did not move to leave.
"Did you hear me?" she seethed. "Get the hell out of here before I knock you unconscious!"
"No."
Her mouth fell open. Didn't she come here to escape the confusions and awkwardness? Why, Why did it have to re ignite now ?
"I said I needed to talk to you," he repeated softly, calmly.
"So do it later," she pressed, attempting to lower her tone once more. "I'm obviously a little busy at the moment."
Oh, God. If Sister Kate caught her now, they'd both be thrown from the convent. What did she do to deserve this? All she wanted was a bath. Granted she had to break a few rules to get it, but was it really that much to ask for what she endured over the course of the day?
"Do you remember when I first kissed you?" he inquired lightly.
She swallowed once more and released a small sigh. Maybe this was her payment for just trying to run from her problems. They either come back to bite you in the behind, or sneak up on you in the bath...
"Bits and pieces," she responded softly. "I told you I thought it was a dream, remember?"
"But it wasn't," he reported, tone of voice unreadable.
Rosette shifted under the foam cover, another flush rising to her already-pink cheeks. She did recall the feelings that went along with his action. The touch had been almost hesitant, very light and very brief. That's why she thought she'd merely imagined it, whilst lying sleepily on his bed in the red heat of the spring sunset.
"You were young then, laying innocently and vulnerable," he continued. " And I hated myself for what I did."
Now that she thought about it, Chrno had avoided her after that "dream" had taken place. Purposely stayed in the Elder's hut at meal times, but strangely retracted from his own room. The fiery exorcist had never read any further into it. He warmed up to her again a few days later, so there was no lasting rift between them.
"Rosette, you're not a child anymore."
She froze, azure eyes widening.
"And despite my appearance, you know I'm not a child, either."
Flashes of the earlier encounters and events ran across her mind's eye rapidly, her breath quickening immensely upon the recollections. Was he openly suggesting that...?
The curtain came to life and her head instantly snapped toward the movement, a gasp escaping her throat. Her slick hands rose from the watery depths, grasping the edge before he could pull it open.
"Chrno! What do you think you're-!"
He tugged lightly against her hold on the shower cloth. "Rosette, trust me."
The tone sent shivers down her back and she felt a warmth rise swiftly through her toes to the roots of her blonde strands. The blue-eyed teen's grasp on the white curtain faltered in that moment, and the demon Sinner used the opportunity to shed the barrier aside.
Cool air shocked her senses, but didn't offer nearly the same magnitude of sensations as the face that hovered inches from hers. His eyes were somehow almost alive in the darkness, dancing with an inner fire, half-lidded but burning intensely beneath the thick eyelashes.
She felt her body heat even more beneath the blanket of the bath foam. His new flames had returned to consume her once more. Rosette was aware that she was naked and that it was wrong, but found a part of herself wishing to be set aflame, to burn again in the fire he brought to life within her.
One of his tanned hands skimmed up the side of the bath, drifting to her shoulder and then behind her neck, pulling her face closer to his own.
Water was growing weak to fire's beckon. Sapphires let themselves be drawn into the scorching depths of the rubies, ready to join hellfire in a forbidden dance.
"Rosette, I want you to be my mate," he whispered in a husky, breathy tone.
And in the next instant, the fire was lit. His lips claimed hers just when the blue fluttered from view as her eyes closed shut, awakening the searing passion that had fallen dormant in the hours past. She gasped, head arching back as a twin claws traced a burning trail over her slick collarbone, erasing an area of thick suds from existence. The demon's tongue took advantage of the opening, moving inside her mouth with ease, seeking and memorizing everything within reach. When at last he pulled briefly away, her azure orbs reopened, meeting the glittering lust of crimson.
He nipped just slightly at her full bottom lip. "Let me show you," he spoke, voice dark and mysterious to her ears. "Just what you can feel," he continued, right hand flitting up and down her arm almost seductively, before it boldly placed itself upon her moist chest, kneading the sensitive skin.
"Ah!" she half-moaned, half-squeaked, but was silenced when his mouth lay back down upon hers. The rubbing and molding of the flushed flesh continued as he coaxed her own tongue into his mouth, urging her to play with his own. She tried to arch into the excruciatingly pleasurable sensations, but his hand on the back of her neck kept her steady, holding her still as he laved his numerous attentions over her open skin.
Chrno parted then, a mere breathless moment between them, before his mouth dove to latch upon her neck. Her lips no longer covered, she gasped feverishly, hands rising desperately from their grip on the side of the bath and into his violet strands. He sucked sweetly upon the base of her neck; tongue rolling out and around the abused area and then sliding even lower.
She quivered from the innumerable sensations she was assaulted with, twisting sharply, unsure of how to cope with the heat and loss of control. The crimson-eyed Sinner growled low, both hands moving to keep her body firmly in place. Rosette had to struggle from crying out when his lips closed over the protrusion on her right breast, suckling her gently.
Hot flashes danced before the blonde exorcist's eyes, alerting her to the snap of her body's control. If he didn't stop now, someone was going to hear her. Rosette was sure of it. She could feel the moans and screams itching to leave her aching throat and meet the steamy air.
"C-Chrno, you have to stop," she pleaded breathlessly. "Can't get caught h-here...!"
The demon groaned as he retracted from her, silently agreeing, but still partially unwilling to stop. Blue met red once more, begging wordlessly.
At last, he complied with her wish. Claws released their hold upon her bare skin, just as his lips came to tease hers a final time, whispering something against her lips that she couldn't quite hear.
And when she opened her eyes again, he was gone.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
"Try to shoot him from the right!" the brunette exorcist shouted over the commotion. "You'll avoid hitting him into that old building!"
Rosette was already panting heavily, her focus not completely returned from her steamy morning encounter. "I can't!" she insisted in a loud and annoyed growl. "He keeps changing position!"
The sealed form of Chrno, meanwhile, shouted directions from behind her. "Forget the damage issue!" he yelled, partially drowned out by a ferocious roar from the ugly winged demon in the sky. "Take aim and shoot him wherever you can find an opening!"
The blonde stumbled off to her right, the ugly devil's large spiked tail narrowly missing her shoulder with its fierce swipe. Thinking of Sister Kate's orders for the team, she attempted to take the Riverston boy's advice, lifting her gun to aim, hopefully positioned to knock the creature farther into the sky and avoiding the architecture. But as her shaking hands pulled the trigger, the Gospel bullet missed the target completely, and the force sent her flying back onto the dusty stone street.
"Why the hell did you have to make things difficult?"
"Me?" Matthew scoffed, offended. "Had her aim been true, that demon would be nothing more than smoldering ash in the sky!"
Chrno's red eyes flashed in anger. "Don't you dare blame this on Rosette!"
The next moments seemed to pass in slow motion. Opening received, the grotesque winged demon made a dive for the momentarily helpless girl, teeth and claws bared. Rosette's companions, previously lost in their heated bickering, noticed her danger a moment too late. Though both made a wild attempt to place themselves as a barrier, neither reached her in time.
The creature's deadly looking claws bit swiftly into the blonde exorcist's right calf, eliciting a spurt of blood and a squeal of pain from his former attacker.
Chrno's transformation and roar of utter fury was almost instantaneous.
Forest-colored eyes broadened as the watch device upon the girl's chest sparked and burst open, and the violet-haired boy changed completely, morphing into a tall and formidable-looking man with long ears and a sharp bony tail. The figure then roughly tackled the large creature before it could even touch the blonde teen again, long claws and knife-like tail ripping endlessly in a rage unheard of.
Matthew could do nothing more than stand transfixed, horrified. That boy, the little pointy-eared runt who'd been so protective of Rosette Christopher...
...Was undoubtedly a bloodthirsty demon.
The roaring and unearthly sounds continued to burst forth from the mess on the street, echoing in the enclosed area like a bloody massacre.
That...thing had been Rosette's partner? Why was the Magdalene Order housing and welcoming a dark and vicious creature, not unlike the ones they purged from these filthy streets?
The Florida-native kept his eyes riveted on Chrno as the bloodshed ceased, only scraps remaining of the large demon that had attacked Rosette.
Perhaps...Perhaps the Magdalene Order didn't even know what Chrno really was.
The violet-haired demon stood, flicking bits of blood off of himself as he approached his fallen comrade. Matthew panicked, dashing for the equipment carrier and extracting a gun, quickly cocking it and aiming toward the Sinner, who had bent down next to Rosette.
"I know what you are now, " the green-eyed teen announced loudly. "Keep your fucking hands off of her, demon scum!"
Chrno kept his back to the male exorcist, raising his partner's unconscious form onto his lap. Matthew's face twisted in disgust, watching the clawed and bloody hand trail almost lovingly down the girl's pale cheek.
Though still a little taken aback by the boy's development, the male exorcist steadily came closer, until the gun's barrel pointed merely inches from the hornless man's form.
Emerald eyes narrowed in determination. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't shoot you," Matthew challenged boldly.
Before the human male could even realize what had happened, Chrno swiftly rose and snatched the exorcism tool from the young man's hands. His strong talons wrapped around the barrel, effortlessly bending the contraption upward and rendering the tool useless. He placed it back into Matthew's trembling hands, sneering at the brunette.
"Because your gun no longer works," the golden-eyed demon stated.
Ignoring the southern exorcist's stunned reaction, Chrno knelt down to Rosette once more, lifting her securely into his arms. Rising to his feet again, dark wings extended to their full length on either side of his tall form, adding to his already-intimidating appearance.
"Y-You don't scare me!" Matthew bit out, vaguely aware that his legs were shaking. "Once the Order finds out about you, you're history!"
The violet-haired demon turned around, facing the human teen with a smirk of amusement. "They already know," he said simply.
Forest green eyes flickered to the unconscious girl before meeting the burning gold again. "And as for her..."
The smirk disappeared in an instant, replaced with a deep scowl of loathing. Matthew took a startled step backward just as a clawed hand wrapped tightly around the cloth of his uniform and lifted the brunette boy right off of the ground.
"As for Rosette," Chrno growled dangerously, amber eyes flashing. "Let this be your first and final warning: If I ever catch your hands or any part of you touching her in any way, you may find yourself looking like our little friend over there."
Green eyes glanced quickly at the remains of the demonic creature on the ground and he swallowed hard. Chrno's grip further tightened, forcing Matthew's eyes back to his.
"Rosette Christopher is my Contractor," the violet-haired demon continued, his tone harsh and possessive. "I will not tolerate your dirty little human advances on her. I know exactly what you're up to. You keep your wandering eyes and disgusting hands off of what's mine." The strong grip yanked up once, causing the helpless teen to yelp. "Do I make myself clear, Mr. Riverston?"
Matthew flailed, nodding vigorously. The gold eyes narrowed as he tossed the boy to the ground, wrapping his limbs fully around the blonde girl again before taking flight and leaving the shaking brunette exorcist behind.
Emerald watched them disappear into the night sky, brushing himself off as he rose to his feet.
How had Rosette Christopher got involved with a creature like that? How could she stand it? Was she forced, intimidated and scared?
He'd definitely have a talk with her about it, he decided.
Rosette would see the light. She'd come into his open arms, craving his protection from the monster.
...And he would get what he wanted, too.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Whew. That does it for Chapter 2. Pretty intense, huh? I did warn you all... I'm still in shock about the bath scene. I can't believe I wrote it. Surprisingly though, I'm not disappointed with it. And Chrno the aggressor is...sexy. Damn, I'm having fun with this. XD
So, um, look forward to some more interesting developments next chapter. And please keep reading and reviewing! I love the feedback and it really motivates me.
And as always, thank you for reading.