It was already night-time as the squads disappeared to their rooms in Ferids' mansion. Everyone was asleep, that is what Crowley assumed until hearing some petite steps towards the kitchen.

Who he found was no one less than the tiny squad leader. Shinoa was her name, he remembered.

Without making a sound, he walked to her, who was gazing at the night sky.

"Shouldn't you be asleep already?" he questioned quietly. In shock Shinoa faced him and lost her balance as she fell off the chair she stood on.

There was no sound nor pain though. Crowley had not only caught her but the chair too.

"Shh, the others are gonna wake up if you make a ruckus at midnight," he whispered while slowly putting the furniture down.

Shinoa didn't reply anything at first. She was too confused about the situation. When the red-haired noticed how tense her body got, he released her, careful and not too quickly. Vampires had many problems when dealing with mortals friendly, they needed to measure their strength as not to kill them immediately, even after hundreds of years it was difficult for some vampires considering that their power grew with time.

The red-haired rose and watched the dazed girl regain her consciousness.

"Ah. Ahh, I'm sorry I shouldn't have climbed up that chair." she glanced at the window and returned her gaze to the vampire "Thank you for catching me!" she slightly bowed.

"No need to thank me. I just didn't want everyone to wake up... I like the silence after..." she interrupted.

"After dealing with Yūichirōs' dumbness?" she whispered sarcastically while he was reminded of Ferid for some reason.

"I didn't say that. But I appreciate that you didn't scream." he stared back with the eyes of a predator but the small commander didn't seem to be frightened in the least. "You're quite brave for a human," he remarked as she picked up his mood immediately.

"I would not call me brave, rather someone with a good perception. You see, I have outlived a lot throughout my life and saw unimaginable monsters when I was still a child. Called my relatives," she explained with a serious attire.

"Hn..." he listened quietly before he remembered why he came here "Ah yes, so why are you even here?" the red-haired asked curiously which made Shinoas' usual side shine through.

"Ahh, actually I searched for the bathroom. After I found it I could not find the way back haha. This mansion is very large, right? But I found the way to the kitchen. I thought I would remember the way from there... Well, I didn't, as you can see." she explained a little embarrassed while he listened closely.

"Haha, I see. Then let me escort you back. Of course only if you like. " he offered as he couldn't prevent one of his fangs to show.

"Of course! Thank you Crowley-san!" she replied mischievously.

"Follow me then," he smirked as he left the kitchen. She trotted behind him staring holes into his back. "Is there something you want to ask?" he offered quite bothered by her gaze.

" I don't think you will reply, so I won't bother." he stopped as a threatening aura escaped him.

"Just ask, I won't bite. I promise!" he snickered darkly but she stayed silent. "Hm... could it be that he talked about my past?" she flinched at his comment "So that is what interests you? Why? It is not that exciting." but then her eyes widened in disbelief.

"No! That's not true! When I was still a child and to this day I always was fascinated by history! And to think I would meet an eye witness from the time of the crusaders! A dream has come true! Ah... I mean..." she realized that she said that out loud, hiding her face in embarrassment. "I'm sorry! Yūichirō-kun told me that you don't desire to reveal anything further." she apologized as his eyes scan the tiny girl in bemusement.

"I told him I don't talk to idiots like him however if you desire it I will tell you about that time." he calmly offered. "It is a long story though are you alright staying up even longer? " her orbs gleamed admiringly.

"Yes! I want to listen! Please tell me!"

" I understand, please follow me to the library." he walked away as she runs behind him.

"Shinoa! Where were you yesterday?"

"Hn? Mitsu-chan I think you have bad eyes. I slept like a baby the whole night in my bed. Wait something felt off this morning! You couldn't have done something naughty to me right!?" Shinoa accused amused.

"Stop saying bullshit!" a red Mitsuba replied.

"I knew it! Such a pervert! Aha!"

-END-