A/N: Took another unprecedented break, sorry about that, but meanwhile, I had been working on this for a while. Especially due to increasing demand for our notorious demon to make an appearance, I figured why not. This chapter is almost 6k words, and takes place after their first meeting, so kind of a peek into how she's settled in with the manor and their staff. I had to draw some inspiration in terms of the servant's mess ups, so it may seem like cheap rip-offs from the manga (I'm sorry, lol), but it's all I got for now.

Again, sorry for the break, and I hope the chapter amuses you.

Thank you for all the new favs and follows in my absence, along with the reviews! Normally, I would answer it in a plot chapter but I can make an exception.

skaterrockgirl: Hey, glad to see you're back! And yes, the fluff with Undertaker, I live for it. However, your wish (along with some other readers) has been granted. The Sebastian interaction you've all been waiting for. I think I might as well do these once in a while to mix it up so that you guys don't get too much of UT lol. But thank you for the input, it helps me with balancing out what I write, and it's more than enough help. Don't worry about being rude, you've done nothing to convince me of that so far, so please enjoy today's chapter!

snickerdoodle45: You're absolutely right, and I have to congratulate you on your insight with that. I also would think that Rachel would want to stop all the horrible things happening, but that would be at war with her logical side, and her loyalty to keeping the past "as is". You'll find an interesting tether (hopefully) between her trying to stay neutral or changing up things in the heat of the moment. Thank you for dropping by, and I hope you stay around long enough to send your thoughts again. Enjoy!

DemonWolf25: Thank you for the many reviews lol. It made my day to find you invested in the story. In terms of the POV change, it was more of a experience thing for me, and I found that I prefer 1st POV because it keeps the readers intimate with our protagonist while 3rd POV maintains the mystery and intrigue of other characters. So I would have the option to switch without making the story bland.

- In terms of the phone (and good job catching that lol), I would think that because she is a half-demon, it wouldn't be far-fetched to believe she could be her own power source for an electronic. Especially considering she's capable of other worldly feats, I would think self-charging her own devices or even creating them wouldn't be that far of a jump. However, that makes for a good filler/chapter, so thank you for bringing that to my attention!

Guest (Sara): Thank you for the compliment! I'm happy so long as others are able to enjoy what I write. And don't worry about your English, you're doing an excellent job so far. In terms of Rachel's species, I honestly had been considering about her being all three demon/angel/reaper (which was popular idea for the majority of early fanfics here so it had to be crossed out lol) or staying a human. But, ironically, watching an episode of Supernatural about half-demons cemented the idea in my mind because it meant she "stayed human" while having demonic capabilities at the same time. However, you do bring up interesting ideas that I may use for other characters, so thank you for that.

Guest: Lol, don't we all hate a main protagonist who can't do anything to protect themselves. It's kind of frustrating that I can understand your perception of it, but if a story is able to utilize that weakness to progress the plot/characters, it's not always a bad thing. But to each their own, and yes, I made Rachel like that for the sake of not being weak. But thank you for appreciating her character and how she interacts with Undertaker. I would honestly like to see more archetypes (?) of her when it comes to UT/OC, but oh well. A girl can dream.

- Anyhow, for your first question, it wouldn't be at all surprising to me for Rachel to have a hobby outside of being an assassin. Because she is half-demon, she is capable of accomplishing more than the average person, and I would think because of her human self, she would have interests that expand beyond just killing. Plus, as a humane kind of assassin, it's stressful on her to do nothing but kill (which I will expand on in later chapters), so she'd need some sort of stress reliever. In a few chapters, her interests were in music, art, and reading, so manga wouldn't be too far off. Her not knowing the plot would be an interesting idea all on its own, but I figured it'd be more interesting for her to experience having the knowledge that something bad is going to happen but yet she could choose to either walk away or interfere. Makes for a more tangible sort of torture and fits the dark theme lol. (I know, I'm kinda evil, sorry :P)

Anyhow, for the rest of you, enjoy today's featured SebbyxOC!

Reader Special

Occurs after Phantomhive attack and before ch 1 of manga

Morning

I stared out the window of the carriage, chin in hand as I thought of the various ways with which to get back at Undertaker.

How convenient it was that he suddenly had business out of town to attend to thus shoving me in a carriage with some luggage in tow and sending me off on my merry way to the Phantomhive manor. Oh, and just so that I could check on little Phantomhive as his excuse.

Sure, sure.

I would've had no problem with it if it hadn't been for a particular demonic butler. And I mean that both literally and metaphorically.

Ever since our first meeting, the asshole had been finding ways to visit. Regardless if it meant joining game night or just randomly accompanying me to do shopping.

As much as I would verbally deterred him, Sebastian simply treated it as a game. He believed I was simply playing "hard to get".

Hah! Sure, keep tellin' yourself that, asshole.

It wouldn't be long until I arrived at the manor so I used what little time I had to mentally prepare myself. Unfortunately, as always, it was a moment too soon that the butler was already opening the door with a barely-hidden eagerness behind that polite smile.

"My, it's been a while since we last met. I take it milady's ride was satisfactory?~"

I inwardly snorted, both at the double entendre and his referring to milady.

Who are you calling a lady?

For appearance's sake, I had to accept his hand to help me down, but beyond that, I debated ignoring him.

Unfortunately, I was silent a moment too long for without missing a beat, he leaned in close and added, "Ara~ No answer? Surely there's no reason for you not to visit as often, no?" His smirk grew as the reason why wasn't lost on either of us.

Already, I could feel my temple pulsing. My back straightened, and using the coachmen's presence to my advantage, retaliated. "As we are in company, shouldn't the butler have more appropriate manners to the Earl's guests?"

I could see a hint of a fang before concealing it with a bow. "But, of course. As milady wishes." He straightened out, a sly look in those burgundy eyes of his before holding a hand out as invitation. "Right this way, then, if you will."

With short ceremony, we progressed into the manor, a swift pang of guilt as I crossed the threshold before I could see bocchan at the top of the stairs.

He smiled faintly, as recognition of our relationship, but because of his facade and the butler, had to restrain it. "Miss Rose, it's a delight to have you with us albeit unexpected."

I curtsied as much as I could with the uniform I usually wore at the mortuary.

"My apologies, bocchan. Undertaker said it was urgent business and rather than have me waste away in the mortuary, decided it were best if I were among the land of the living again."

He smirked, his hand waving away the apology. "Undertaker discussed as much over the phone this morning. Nonetheless, you are welcome."

"Much obliged."

"If it pleases you, you are welcome to provide me company in my study. I have little else to do besides paperwork." His punctual sigh suggested that he would more than appreciate the company.

The corner of my mouth lifted, but I hid my amusement before the butler could witness it. "How's this, then? I decided that I'd help around in the meantime considering the low manpower around here. Then afterwards, we could indulge in a game or two of whatever you like."

Bocchan seemed to pout a bit, but his head tilted as he pondered my bargain before nodding. "Very well."

Of course, the butler was contrary to this as he frowned. "Pardon my intrusion, but Young Master, our reputation would suffer should we put a guest to work."

I shrugged. "What they don't know won't hurt'em."

He arched a fine eyebrow at me, hand on his chin.

However, the Earl had the final say, and he waved his hand dismissively. "Let her be, Sebastian. Miss Rose will do as she likes regardless of your approval."

I put a hand on my hip and raised an eyebrow back at Sebastian as he only sighed in defeat.

"If it pleases you, milord."

"Miss Rose." Ciel had already turned to head to his study, but looked back to train his sole eye on me. "I look forward to our games."

I nodded. "Same to you, Earl."

Not having anything else to say, he left, leaving me in the custody of our infamous butler. Yay.

With all the air of a model, he straightened under my scrutiny. "Well then, what would please milady to be of service to the Phantomhive manor?"

Gosh, so grandiose for such a minuscule thing. Glad to know someone's an overachiever.

I shrugged again. "Simply just show me the ropes, and I'll take it from there. Needless to say, you'll handle all the dirty work. Otherwise, if the other servants require assistance, I'm more than happy to help."

He looked back as he carried my luggage while leading me to the guest rooms. "But of course. I just sincerely hope you don't get yourself tangled in situations beyond your control." His lip curled.

I deadpanned. Knowing him, he'd be more than happy to tie the knot.

"But first, I shall lead you to your room before setting the assignments for the servants. From there, you may either pick up the slack or assist in the servant's duties."

"Sure."

…

As fate would have it, I decided it would be better to wait until catastrophe struck, which I could always count on. Rather than hang around for disaster to occur, better to play catch up in my opinion than force it. Much easier as well.

Therefore, late morning found me dusting off shelves in their library. Of course, there was no tangible dust whatsoever, but I opted to dust and leave the heavy duty to our resident demon butler.

Speaking of which, I'd shockingly had an hour of peace without his presence. I didn't know if it was Big Guns Upstairs actually being nice for once or just pure luck, but I was definitely going to make the most of it.

However, being in the library also meant having flashbacks back to before the fire back when Ciel and bocchan were far more innocent then. It didn't help that Sebastian's reconstruction of the Phantomhive manor was an exact rendition of the original, so I'd find myself reminiscing in certain areas of the manor.

But of course, I didn't have too long to dwell on the thought if an imposing presence had any say. And like all things, my solace was short-lived.

"My, someone seems quite distracted~" I felt him lift a strand of hair but decided to ignore him, more intent on pulling out a novel that caught my eye. But when I felt that he hadn't yet released my hair, I glanced sideways to find him pressing the ebony locks to his lips, dulcet eyes already trained on me.

Of course, me being me, I was already deadpanning at his antics. The fuck did he expect me to do? Swoon? What did kissing my hair accomplish?

"You know, if you like my hair so much, you're better off thanking Undertaker for taking such good care of it. Maybe even kiss him to show your gratitude." At once, his face fell to a blank expression, and I couldn't help the slight twitching of a smirk.

But, he recovered just as quickly as smirked again. "Perhaps I should."

I blinked blandly before raising an eyebrow. I'm not sure if he understood that it would be Undertaker and not me who'd be more weirded out at that idea. Probably.

I shrugged. "Knock yourself out, I guess." He blinked but chose not to reply, likely having come to the same conclusion as I. I went back to scanning the book cover before opening to a random page.

Of course, despite my efforts to deter him into leaving me alone, he wasn't so easily discouraged. If anything, he stepped closer so I could see him in my peripheral and to make I was aware of him.

But of course, like all narcissists, they could only handle being ignored for so long until they either got offended or impatient. As such, it manifested in the form of him closing in enough for me to feel his body heat radiating into mine as he tilted his head so that he could murmur into my ear.

"Ara, ignoring now, are we? That's quite poor manners." His fingers tucked away a piece of hair behind my ear when it got in the way.

I barely suppressed a snort. "Who's ignoring who? You made no reply, so I saw no need to continue a dead topic."

My brow twitched. Ironic I called it dead and we just talked about a demon kissing a retired-reaper-turned-mortician.

Not one to lose control so easily, he bantered, "Your body language suggests otherwise~ After all, lack of eye contact may be considered rude, no?"

I didn't have to look to know he was smirking cockily. However, I could feel his gloved fingers purposefully pushing more strands of hair for a clear view of my neck. However, because I was too apathetic to react, I was completely unprepared for his next move.

"Don't you think such behavior deserves a punishment?" And before I could say anything, he'd already licked a stripe up my neck, making me freeze in shock. Then the repulsion and anger set in.

My wide eyes darted to his to find them gleaming viciously. However, I was more concerned with controlling myself and not lashing out by punching him.

If there's anything I'd learned about dealing with predators, it's to never show weakness. Lashing out in anger would be sheer folly on my part.

If anything, when dealing with a formidable opponent, you have to be able to outwit it.

Fortunately, my trump card came in the form of Bard blowing up the kitchen. And just in time, too.

Oh, thank you, Bard!

While we'd been having an intense stare-down, the force of the explosion made the manor shake a bit which only made me appreciate Bard's effort even more.

Sebastian, of course, relented with a sigh. "Now, what's that idiot done?"

I closed my eyes, resuming control. "Funny that a supposed professional butler talks about proper behavior and yet cannot prevent a subordinate's repetitive mistake from occurring."

He pulled on his gloves, raising an eyebrow. "Assuming I can predict when they will occur? Now, that's asking for the impossible, dear~"

My eye twitched. Dear? The fuck did this guy think he was?

"Then perhaps the issue lies not only with the employee but the employer?"

His lips tugged into rugged smirk before his finger tilted my chin up, leaning in close. "Are you suggesting my Young Master to be incompetent?"

I smirked back disdainfully. "Considering he's not even reached his pubescent stages yet, there's some leeway for him to have a lapse in judgement despite being an Earl. However, I'd say the criticism falls most on the seemingly more mature head figure of the estate. Mainly being you, supposedly, since it wouldn't be wholly unexpected for you to advise him from time to time, no?"

His face was impressively impassive.

I shrugged with a noncommittal smile. "But I could always be wrong."

He sighed, as though my explanation robbed him of a few years.

Oh, how I hoped.

"Is that so? Well then, perhaps reparations can be repaired if we hired competent minds such as your own." He tugged his gloves as though resuming his butler facade while pointedly looking at me.

I raised an eyebrow. "The answer's still no."

He smiled pleasantly as he walked to the door, opening it. However, he faced me, letting me know he wanted me to accompany him to the site of destruction. "Why, such reluctance is quite unheard of! The Phantomhive manor requires no previous experience nor do we discriminate by age, race, or history." His eyes slitted knowingly on that one. "We guarantee payment and days off, provision of luxury supplies and even a raise, depending on your performance. How about it?~"

I was halfway out the door when he finished reciting his speech that I paused and angled my face up at him. Scrutinizing. "Do you make a habit of delivering a speech for every possible candidate you find word for word?"

The smirk that had grown on his face when he initially thought he'd won me over fell into a mocking frown. "Whatever could you mean?"

I sighed. "Whatever. Still no."

He smiled with all the patience of an adult as he took the lead, heading towards the kitchen.

Ha. Imagine that.

"I'm sure you will come around~"

Hmph. "Don't get ahead of yourself."

He quirked an eyebrow. "Pray tell, what exactly deters you from such an advantageous opportunity? Many would jump at the offer I've given you. Is it perhaps the workload? The servants seem to have taken a liking to you since you first met, so it couldn't be them. Or perhaps-"

"None of the above."

"Hm?"

I spared him a glance. "I simply prefer the pace at Undertaker's morgue. Plus, with him around, everyday is less predictable and not so fast-paced."

He smirked. "However, you'd lack socialization with others unlike the trio here."

I shrugged. "I make do. Besides, dealing with Undertaker is more than enough."

He huffed in amusement. "Although, now that I think about it, it may seem the only downside would be your behavior and manner of speech. We would need to improve as it leaves much to be desired."

"Hm, funny that I can say the same about you, but don't see me complaining, do you?"

He chortled and would've said something if it weren't for the sight of an ash-covered Bard sporting an afro and a tell-tale hole of an explosion. Even the added gust of wind added to the comedic effect of the cook's obliviousness to the butler's impatience.

Immediately, Sebastian's expression fell flat and sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Bard, you were tasked with preparing lunch. So please, explain how it ended up outside the kitchen?"

The cook nervously chuckled, scratching his head. "W-well, you see, I heard that the little miss would be coming over to visit, and since she likes art, I thought she'd appreciate my idea that cooking is art, therefore, art means explosion! And since lunch was involved, why not kill two birds with one stone! Eh heh~"

As Bardroy rambled on, I could see the imaginary tick appear on Sebastian's forehead as he endured.

"You know, Bard, I would think that when one was creating art, they'd respect it by not destroying/burning it."

The cook blushed, embarrassed to say anything else besides chuckle awkwardly.

However, my input was enough for the butler to recover some patience. He straightened before donning a professional mask. "As much as I agree with Ms. Rose's advice, there was also no need to resort to such a degree of firepower. However, there's nothing that can be done for it. We will salvage any remaining materials and make do with that."

And so, we ended up with an iceberg lettuce salad with some dried meats for lunch while Bard was tasked with clean-up. Of course, Sebastian single-handedly took care of the lunch course, so I aided Bard as much as possible. Humorously enough, I could hear Sebastian muttering actual roasts on Bard's inability to make anything edible, so I had to tune him out to save myself from laughing. At his misfortune, of course, not the cook.

"So, what made you decide to drop by for a visit, eh~" Despite the trouble he was in, it was so like Bard to bounce right back as though nothing happened.

"Oh, well, some complications with the boss."

His mouth dropped dramatically, his signature cigarette almost dropping. "No way! You were fired?"

I snorted. "Of course not. Merely, he kicked me out because of an unexpected road trip I had to take and decided it was time I socialize with people my age." Although, Bard was definitely in his mid-20s right about now. Although, it's not that much of an age gap, but much better than dealing with a centuries' old egocentric demon.

Bard shook his head sympathetically. "Ah, must be rough to live with an eccentric like that… You know, you could always move in with us! We could always use an extra hand!" He grinned, puffing his chest with pride.

I half-smirked. "I'll be sure to keep that in mind."

But of course, the fun was swiftly cut short. "Miss Rose, if you would please? I'm sure Bard can take over from here."

I barely withheld a sigh, but looked at the cook to confirm.

He only beamed and flashed an enthusiastic thumbs-up, so I relented.

"Alright, lead the way."

He merely smiled before continuing on our way. "Now, what were we talking about? Ah yes, you mentioned something about the pace and predictability, yes?"

I hummed. He was really invested in changing my mind, wasn't he?

"I'll have you know that daily chores isn't all you should expect here." He looked at me pointedly, but I got the message. The twilight activities, or mostly night duties, concerned with protecting bocchan. "I ensure you there'd be no end to the surprises that that entails."

"I'm sure. However, I've got my own means of excitement." And I'd be damned because of his inquisitive nature if it weren't for Mey-rin's well-timed scream.

"Kyaaaaa!"

And coincidentally in the room we were just passing by.

With surprising urgency, Sebastian opened the door to the unfortunate sight of Mey-rin about to fall over, hands full from plates and glassware that contributed to her loss of balance. Of course, with inhuman speed, we were able to assess and act accordingly although mine and the demon's priorities were impressively swapped.

I dashed forward in time to catch the maid while the butler caught each dinner plate, the last landing with a clink atop a pile on one hand. I would've been impressed if not for the slight of action in which he'd completely dismissed Mey-rin's well-being.

"O-oh! Miss Rose!"

"Hey, you okay?"

Her head bobbed, glasses askew on her face and stray hairs everywhere as Sebastian very calmly set the dining ware on a nearby surface.

I set her down and faced an already peeved Sebastian who looked ready to break Mey-rin half.

"Had it not been for Miss Rose, that would've been another deduction on your salary for the next set of broken chinaware."

Her head bobbed fervently. "Y-yes, sir. I was just trying to help with lunch, I was, so I was in a bit of a rush." She was awkwardly fidgeting with her fingers as Sebastian pinched his nose and sighed.

I decided to intercede for both their benefit. "Well, Mey-rin, as the saying goes: 'Haste makes waste'. Even though you may think that rushing may save time, you're only tempting danger meanwhile. It's better to take your time and only take as much as you're able to handle. Otherwise, you're an accident waiting to happen."

Apparently, my speech was more than enough to motivate her again, because she cheered up and saluted. "Y-yes! You're right, you are! I'll get to it, then!" And with boisterous recovery, she got back to work.

Seeing as he had nothing else to comment, Sebastian headed back towards the hallway.

Yet, I could tell he was anticipating something.

"With those two idi-, I mean servants, taken cared of, that could only mean-"

"SEBASTIAAAAAAN!" A blur of the gardener ran past before latching onto Sebastian with a tear-streaked face. "UWAAAAAAH!"

"-Finnian's left. What is it now?"

With all of Finninan's blubbering, I could just barely make out something about the roses.

Sebastian sighed before completely giving up on trying to translate Finny's gibberish. "Why don't you just us lead us?"

Finny sniffled. "It's in the rose garden."

"Very well."

As a trio, we started on our way back, Sebastian taking the lead as I patted Finnian on the shoulder.

"Hey, don't worry about it. The great thing about plants is that they can always grow back."

He turned watery hopeful eyes on me. "Really?"

"Mm-hm. Plus, you can learn from your mistakes and take better care of the next batch."

His eyes shined, before dulling a bit.

We'd reached our destination, and Sebastian's deadman stare is what must've dampened his recovering mood.

I took a look for myself and really had to hold back a snort. There wasn't even anything left reminiscing a rose garden besides holes where they should've been. "Finny, what exactly did you do to these roses?"

He sniffled again. "Well, it hurt when I tried picking them, so to make it easier, I just dug it up from the ground…"

I compressed my lips. I mean, it made sense, just not for the right reasons. I chanced a look at Sebastian to find that he'd completely given up hope on humanity.

"Oi."

Nothing.

"Oi! Sebastian!"

He jerked before coming to and seeing Finnian's concerned face. "Ah, yes, well, seeing as the solution is beyond my reach, you'll have to replant the roses that can be salvaged or purchase some at the gardening store."

"But, what color does the Young Master like?"

"As you are the gardener, the design is up to you."

"Then… Then… I'll make a mosaic using all kinds of colors!"

I think, Sebastian just completely shut down at this point. Seeing as he was nonresponsive, I simply took some money off his person and handed it to Finny. "Have fun."

"Thanks, Ms. Rose! Maybe I'll make a mosaic of you since it's your last name! Anyway, see you later~" And Finny was off.

Sebastian stood there for a moment before taking off with all the manner of someone possessed to some unknown location.

Out of curiosity, I tailed him without even bothering to hide my presence. He was absolutely silent however, so I assumed he was completely concentrated about what it was he was going after.

Not even a minute later and we found ourselves in the courtyard of the mansion, out of sight from prying my eyes.

With the exception of me.

Seeing Sebastian standing absolutely still, I came to his side and deadpanned.

A cat. Of course.

He knelt down before taking it into his lap and indulgently playing with it in Sebastian style. Meaning, squishing its paws and stroking its fur.

"Ahh~ Nothing compares to this~" He was even blushing.

I couldn't help it. I snorted before dissolving into snickers.

That was enough to sober him up before looking at me annoyed.

"I'm sorry, but after all that trouble, your first thought is to molest a cat?"

"I am not molesting her."

"Oh, God, even worse, it's a she."

He sighed. "Perhaps if you, too, will behave, I'll show you a surprise."

I snorted again. "What, more victims?" I was too busy laughing to see him suddenly smirk before feeling myself get pushed against the wall. The mirth was gone as quickly as it came.

"Not victims per se unless you count yourself~" He was playing with a tendril of my hair and was about to lean in when his eyes suddenly flashed red. He scowled.

"Uh-huh. Duty calls, no?"

The hand by my head flexed, making the rock beneath it crumble a bit before he withdrew. "Indeed. Rather unfortunate."

I huffed. "For who?"

He merely raised an eyebrow, but the meow of the cat got his attention again. In a split second, he was back with milk and cat food, setting it before the cat with more tenderness than I'd probably ever see him use on a another person. Actual genuine tenderness.

"Take your time, now. I will be back to see you." He smiled fondly at the cat before straightening up and donning the usual arrogant smirk. "Now then, Ms. Rose, why don't we go see what the Young Master wants? I'd wager he'd be wanting his game time with you right about now?"

I shrugged. "Could be. Lead the way, then."

…

Because I really didn't want to play chess and I was curious of whether facets of the animae had any tether here, I discreetly asked Bocchan of whether he'd heard of the board game that season 1 depicted. And to my surprise, he did.

Another unexpected outcome was that it was also pretty fun. I just wondered how he managed to find it.

Of course, as we were playing a game, bocchan took advantage of my temporary stay to have snacks provided which came in the form of something sweet for him while I got a berry compote. One of the desserts I'd been meaning to try since seeing it in the manga. It seemed that my discreet method of telling Sebastian I preferred tart and sour flavors over sweet must've helped.

Currently, we were just finishing the last few rounds when bocchan suddenly asked, "What made you inquire about this game?"

I looked up, surprised that he'd even bother to notice. "Mm, mere curiosity. It was a morbid game, so I was betting on you having at least obtained it."

"And if I didn't have it, you would've either bought it yourself or asked me to buy it?"

"More like suggest."

He smirked. "Yes, that does seem more like you."

A poorly concealed snort came out. "More like me, huh? As if you'd know."

His smirk remained. "Why else bring it up?"

"Well, I could've had it as your next birthday present, so I had to play my cards carefully."

He huffed, rolling the dice before moving his piece. "I see." Of course, there was a sad note to his tone as alluding to his birthday meant having to remember losing everything. Literally.

We were silent for a bit when bocchan suddenly leaned forward and steepled his fingers.

"What do you say you come and work for me?"

I lifted an eyebrow. "You too?"

His mouth quirked up in an amused smile. "I assume Sebastian has been unsuccessful in persuading you?"

I half-shrugged. "I suppose. I want to know why you're suggesting it now, though."

He tilted his head. "I'm sure Sebastian's already covered the financial prospects and advantages of opportunities working for me will provide. However, I can better take care of you, you will have no shortage of friends here, and you will be safe with Sebastian around. Given I keep him on a tight leash."

I deadpanned.

Sure, safe with a demon who's hellbent on claiming me. Sounds great.

"Well, Earl-"

He waved his hand. "Ciel. We're past formalities."

I stared at him. "Bocchan then."

He smirked but relented.

"See, the thing with Undertaker is that I'm comfortable around him. I enjoy the pace, the fact it's not as predicable, and honestly, limited socialization is my forte. Not that I dislike anyone here. Ish." It wouldn't be far-fetched to believe that Sebastian was eavesdropping, which he most assuredly was.

Bocchan chuckled. "I see. Well, if ever you change your mind, our doors are always open."

I tilted my head, reassured. "I appreciate it."

"Of course."

…

Evening

After dinner had concluded, I spent the dying hours of the day with the servants, mainly the trio, playing games or chatting on girl stuff, weapons, and whatnot. Which, to be honest, wasn't so bad from the usual weird, deep, and sometimes philosophical topics Undertaker and I would cover, but it's a change.

Unfortunately, it was hard not to leak out future advancements in terms of war with Bard, but it was great to finally be around a fellow American, despite the odd circumstance.

However, that left the odd one out: Sebastian. Unlike the servants, he wasn't friendly, personable, nor kind-hearted. Nor did I like the idea of being alone with him considering it left me in a vulnerable state within his territory, but I had to make an effort if I were to be on good terms with him.

Even if it meant putting up with his creepy innuendos and mating comments.

Hence why I found myself standing outside his door with a book tucked under my arm.

Was this a bad idea? Oh, definitely.

Would Sebastian enjoy it? Oh, definitely.

But like I said, truces require work.

The door opened far sooner than I was prepared for.

The demon in question only raised an eyebrow before gracing me with his usual condescending smirk. "I am quite sure this should not have to be mentioned, but it certainly is not proper for a lady to be here at this hour."

"I know." My eye twitched. You think I don't know that?

"Then what, pray tell, are you doing here after lights out?"

And here I was thinking it would be obvious. Poor me.

"Seeing as your attempts at friendship are beyond pitiful, I decided to amend that." I held up a book, just so he knew that that's all that would happen. "I came later so there'd be less interruption, obviously."

His eyes slitted with anticipation but he huffed with amusement. "I need no such trifles. However, if you were so eager, all you had to do was ask~"

I twitched again. "Make no mistake. Any advances, and I'm gone."

His smirk curled even more but he widened the door for me to enter.

Obviously, it was a stupid thing to say as I was being allowed into the lion's den by said lion. But, besides my book, everything else was left to him. How he'd take advantage of that would determine how this friendship would work.

Make no mistake, there was no point trying to instill any sort of goodness in a creature derived from evil, but that didn't mean we couldn't be civil. But of course, it was still a risk as I was offering my vulnerability first. And obviously, demons revel in that. Hopefully, I could count on him not to abuse that, which was the whole purpose of this encounter.

Walking into his room, it was bare, as I'd expected. And thanks to the manga, of course. Despite being the butler, there was nothing of significance here that didn't surprise me. People like him didn't hold on to the past nor were concerned by it.

"Do make yourself at home. I have some duties to finish before I can join you." He'd already settled his tall form onto the chair without even a creak.

Of course, the fact he didn't come directly to me beckoned my attention. He knows his priorities.

I approached his desk, angled so I wasn't directly behind him but so I could see him writing elegant script into a journal. Possibly recording today's events and taking note of what needs to be done tomorrow?

After getting bored of watching him, I glanced toward his closet, speculating the idea of testing whether he had cats in there or not. Maybe just a peek.

Or maybe not. That'd just invite him to do the same thing to me.

Remember, Rachel, it's up to him. You'll have to wait for an invite to that.

I sighed before settling on the foot of the bed and cracking open my book. It was a while until I heard him put down the pen and close the notebook before getting up to join me. Except, when he did, he didn't automatically bother me at first. Which surprised me.

I looked over to find he had a book of his own and deadpanned. If he wants to play that way, then fine. I just turned back to my book when he finally spoke up.

"What you said earlier of my attempts at friendship: do they truly matter so much to you?" He flipped a page.

"What do you mean?" Where was he going with this exactly?

He chortled. "I would've expected a lady of your mental capacity to understand." When he garnered no response, he continued. "What I mean is that friendship is trivial to creatures like us. Certainly, you should feel the same way?"

"Why would I?"

He gave me a smug look. "Human lives are ephemeral. Fleeting. There would be no point in making attachments to temporary beings."

My eyebrow rose. "So long as any creature is susceptible to death, I could say the same for you."

He chuckled. "Highly unlikely."

I shrugged, "We'll see."

"My my~ Eager to be rid of me so soon? Rarely something a potential mate would wish for."

I snorted. Mate? He certainly moves fast.

What I didn't expect was for that to manifest physically.

Faster than I could blink, he had me flat on the bed, his form shadowing over me but restraining only one hand. The other hand, of course, automatically pushed against his chest in automatic self-defense. Of course, it was the picture of illusion of control that he was allowing me to have that added to his grievance in my mind.

"Do you not think me capable of getting whatever I want? I will raise hell if need be to obtain what is mine." He smirked down at me, so assured of his self-proclaimed victory.

Of course, I didn't bother to attempt an escape. The last thing you ought to do in a trap was wiggle. That would only appeal to his predatory nature. "I do not doubt your capabilities. Unfortunately, it is my mental fortitude, rather, you should find to be an opponent. I am not swayed so easily for I rely not on what I see on the outside but the inside. And this," my eyes narrowed, "says more about you than you could ever persuade my mind otherwise."

There was an antagonistic delight in seeing the smirk fall from his face, but the tense moment didn't fade. I didn't think him one to consider rape, but I daresay wouldn't put it above him to prove his point.

Of course, this realization did nothing to comfort me as I laid there in rigid anticipation. However, I maintained strong eye contact with him, refusing to back down. This was a crucial moment that allowed for no weakness, else he would devour me in that moment, literally and metaphorically.

As such, he relented with a resigned chuckle. He removed himself from my person, but with a prolonged intensity as if to maintain his dominance as he returned to his side. "Is that so? You should know that there is nothing more I like than a challenge."

I huffed. I didn't dare relax, especially not in his presence. "Explains your allowing to be contracted to a mere child."

His smirk sharpened but his gaze remained fixated on his book. Only another telling facet of his arrogance. "I find that the reward is much sweeter the harder you work for it. As such, I expect the same in terms of making you mine."

"Hah! We'll see."

Eventually, I took my leave. Nothing of further interest occurred during the night besides the occasional inquisitive question. However, that didn't compare to what tomorrow would bring. I could only hope that I could return sooner to the sanctuary of Undertaker's home if only to be rid of Bocchan's demonic nuisance.

09/04/20

Thank you for your patience and support!