Astrid woke up groggily, hair sticking to her face, and she yawned, pulling it away. She blinked a few more times, and realized that it was not her own hair. She gasped softly as she saw that Adrian had stayed with her the whole night, sleeping soundly by her side.
She blushed involuntarily. He was almost completely exposed, wearing nothing but his black boxers.
I sleep better this way, he had told her.
She took this rare moment to look at him, smiling to herself and tracing the scar along his neck. She kissed it sweetly, then moved up to his face and brushed away his bangs. There was a certain beauty to him when he slept; peaceful and calm. She kissed his cheek and nuzzled his neck, murmuring.
Adrian inhaled deeply and groaned, stretching out and looking at the lady in his arms. He smiled. "Sleep well, dearie?"
"Mmmm." She nodded, covering his neck in sweet kisses. "Thanks to you."
He giggled happily, and pulled her up so that she was resting on his chest. She brushed her fingers over his face, tracing his long diagonal scar, wanting to memorize his everything. His skin burned at her touch.
"Did they hurt?" she asked, her fingers still going over the scars.
He pecked her lips. "Every one."
She stared at him with sad eyes. "I can imagine. But I hope you don't plan on getting any more." she told him.
He giggled and kissed her again, more passionately this time, and sighed with content, holding her. She melted into him, their lips dancing gracefully. He painted her skin with sweet caresses.
"The only scars I hope to have are from your own hand dearest," he said, his voice particularly husky. Her heart raced as she realized he meant the scratches she left on his chest.
If she didn't do something he'd keep her hostage. But she had to prepare breakfast for the Earl.
"Adrian, I have to go-"
"It's not dawn just yet, dearie." He held her tighter.
She rested her forehead against his, her long brown hair like a blanket over his face. She sighed.
"You're going to get me in trouble, you know."
"Heehee the risk is part of the fun dearest."
Her heart was pumping against her chest. She knew where this would end. She was too weak when he was concerned. So she kissed him harshly, taking initiative of her inevitable undoing.
Adrian sighed happily, biting her ear playfully. "Shall we make love again, dearest?"
The pounding in her heart only increased as he said so, and with it came a strange feeling that wasn't like anything she had felt before. She was wanting, yes, but it was tied in with a special sort of need that hadn't quite been so strong before. She wanted all of him. Body and soul.
Again she pressed her lips to his passionately, as his hands worked to get rid of her nightgown. She inhaled sharply as his hands touched her bare back, pressing her closer against him. Her breasts were aching as they brushed against his skin. Adrian murmured.
"Your breasts feel wonderful this way."
She blushed, shifting her gaze from him.
He lifted her chin and kissed her sweetly on the lips. "Heehee. Still so shy for me?"
She shook her head, smiling, the blush still lingering. "It's just…nice."
"Come," he smiled, "Ride me."
She bit her lip, tugging at his boxers, revealing his intimidating manhood. Shaking with excitement, she positioned herself over him. She was so terribly nervous...she had never been on top before.
With his help she slid down, Adrian filling her with warmth.
"Oh." Their breaths were in unison.
It…hurt. He had never been so deep. And while it felt wonderful, being so connected to him, having him fill her up to the absolute hilt...the pain was distracting. Adrian's hand cupped her cheek.
"Are you all right, love?"
She let out a shaky breath, cursing herself for letting her discomfort show. He was always more than patient with her, and for once she wanted to do something for him.
"I'm fine." She insisted, smiling.
His long nails trailed down her torso. "I can tell when you're lying to me, dearest." His face looked troubled.
Astrid's heart pounded nervously. She was ruining the moment, she knew that. But she could fix it. All she had to do was push through this. She placed her hands on his chest and moved her hips up and down. The moment she moved back down she winced and cried out in pain, her hands shutting into fists over his chests.
"Astrid," he gasped, pulling her up to him and sliding out of her. He held her lovingly, brushing the hair away from her face. "No, no love. That won't do. I won't have you making such a pained face."
Astrid couldn't look at him. She was drowning in shame. What was wrong with her?
Suddenly Adrian began to chuckle. Was he laughing at her?
He kissed the top of her head. "You don't have to take all of me, dearest." She looked up at him hesitantly. His eyes were shining.
His fingers danced up and down her sides. "You're so tense…relax."
She shivered, the feeling on his fingers on her skin creating goosebumps. Adrian giggled. "You have such cute reactions." He took her lips into his own. She melted in his arms.
"Come," he said, "Try again."
Once more she hovered over him, sliding about halfway, gasping. Adrian smiled at her, taking both her hands in his. He giggled.
"Go on, I won't let go."
With his hands to steady her she began to slowly ride him, enjoying the rippling sensations his length was providing her. It was wonderful, and slowly she began to truly enjoy herself, losing herself to the rhythmic motions of their bodies.
She leaned down to kiss him, their hands still intertwined.
"Ahha!" he squealed, and her eyes shot open.
"What's wrong?" she panicked.
Adrian shivered beneath her, his mouth snaking into a smile. "That's all of me, dearest."
Astrid gasped as he thrusted, the pain no longer there, and the pleasure building. She bit her lip as he bucked his hips to match her motions. Her grip on his hands tightened.
"You feel s-so good…" she murmured.
He pulsed within her, making her body stir with delight. Suddenly, for no reason at all, she began to laugh, color rushing to her cheeks.
Adrian let go of one of her hands, cupping her cheek. "Oh, dearest."
She giggled into his hand. "I'm sorry. I can't help it. It feelsss…ahaha…" she began to tremble, and Adrian could feel her walls sucking him in. He groaned, thrusting into her.
"Don't," he gasped, her walls were clenching him, "Apologize."
Her laughter was taunting him, like a sweet melody in his ears that was driving him mad with desire.
With a few more tremors, Astrid broke, her juices coating his length, enticing him all the more.
She giggled, biting her lip and moaning as Adrian continued to thrust, letting her ride her wave. She kissed him as though she were drunk, thanking him for the delicious wonder.
"We're not done yet love," he smirked, his eyes narrowing.
Her eyes danced playfully. "No?"
He let go of her hands to squeeze her breasts. She moaned, arching into him.
With one hand he continued to massage her breasts, and with the other he teased her skin, his long nails trailing down her stomach, tantalizing her.
"A-Adrian…" she whimpered.
"Ahh!" he sqealed, "Such a tormented sound, dearest." He grabbed her hair, kissing her harshly.
"Such delicious anguish…"
She looked at him with heavy eyes, her eyelids weighed down by lust. His nails dragged up her stomach and past her breasts, where his hand circled her throat. She gasped.
"Say my name, dearie."
"Adrian." She breathed.
He thrusted harshly into her, tightening his hold on her neck, earning him a scream.
"Again."
"Adrian!" she moaned.
Still holding onto her throat with one hand, his other worked to tease her skin, traveling agonizingly slowly to her delicate flesh.
He grinned wildly as she screamed, bucking her hips and choking on pleasure.
"Laugh for me."
She was gasping, scratching at the hand on her throat, her nails digging into his skin. Her walls pulled and sucked as she shook spasmodically on top of him. His adept fingers never left her clit.
She coated him with her juices once more and as she squeezed him, the choked moans escaping her throat, Adrian couldn't hold back any longer. He thrusted into her roughly, filling her to the hilt, and finally released his seed into his trembling lover.
Her face broke into a smile as his warmth seeped through her. She gave a drunk sort of laugh, collapsing on top of him, murmuring incoherently. Adrian chuckled, holding her close and kissing her cheek. She giggled and nuzzled into his neck.
"Mmmm..."
"What's that?"
"I love you." She whispered.
He held her all the tighter. "Hurry up, dearie. Or the Earl will come looking for you."
She shook her head and hugged him stubbornly. "No. I want to stay here."
"Heehee…now, now." He tickled her.
She laughed. "No! Adrian stop!" she said in between giggles.
"Get up love, heehee."
"Adrian!" she squealed, and he pinned her down.
He smiled down at her, his sharp green eyes piercing through her. He kissed her lips. "Such a captivating sound…"
Astrid was summoned into the main parlor. Isaac was waiting for her, staring out one of the large windows, framed by heavy red drapes.
"Astrid," he said, his face beaming, "I was wondering if you'd accompany me on a walk today."
She blinked, not moving from her spot. "If you wish, sir."
"I do wish," he said happily, "In fact I requested it. Earl Phantomhive was gracious enough to grant you leave." He explained.
"Very good, sir." She said plainly.
He walked over to her, his smile saddening. "Come now, Astrid. Surely you can call me Isaac?"
She bowed her head. "If you allow it." She said cautiously.
"I most certainly do!" he exclaimed.
She followed Isaac out into the gardens, where they strolled in silence for a grand majority of the time.
"How has the Phantomhive Estate been treating you?" he asked.
"Very well. I'm quite happy there."
"Were you happy here?"
"Of course I was. I have many fond memories here."
He laughed. "Yes, we were constantly being scolded for climbing those trees there, do you remember?" he pointed as he spoke.
Her eyes followed his hand, and she saw the trees he had mentioned. "They've grown." She said, nostalgia on her tongue.
"Indeed."
"I'm so very happy for you," she blurted, trying to fill in the awkward gaps of silence, "You and your wife seem most happy. If your worry for her was enough to drive you to madness…I can only hope one day I'll have a love half as strong as that."
He laughed again. "Yes, Raquelle is rather special. But you know me, I've always been a bit mad." He winked before continuing, "Have you no one? Surely someone must have caught your fancy. That butler perhaps?"
She blushed. "No, Sebastian and I simply work together. The life of a maid is a busy one. I don't meet new people very often."
He cleared his throat, looking at her hesitantly. "I hope you can forgive me, for everything that happened. I could have done something. Sent more money. Anything."
She shook her head and smiled. "That's all in the past now, Isaac. We were both at fault."
He nodded solemnly.
"Have you ever wondered what would have happened if we had succeeded?"
She thought for a while, not saying anything.
"Forgive me! I didn't mean to sound brazen-"
She smiled at her old master, holding up her hand. "It used to comfort me, to fantasize. But I believe things would have ended up just as they are now. Even if we had succeeded...our destinies are not up to us."
He chuckled. "Yes I suppose you're right. Though one can bend it every now and again."
"What do you mean?"
"You remember Gertrude? That mean horse of a woman. We found that toad one morning-"
"Teacup! Yes I remember." Astrid said laughing.
"And it left mud everywhere. Surely we were to be scolded. But I offered her a lump sum of cash for her to keep her mouth shut."
She stared at him, bewildered. "I always wondered why we didn't get in trouble that day," she turned to him, grinning, "How positively cunning of you."
He chuckled lightheartedly. "It had to be done."
They strolled through the gardens, making chatter and recalling memories.
"You would always braid your hair, even then."
Her hands went to her braid, which was draped over her shoulder, and she brushed the tail of it mindlessly. "Yes, well, mother would. I'm afraid I never got as good at it as she."
"It's very comely nonetheless."
"Thank you."
"So then," he said, "Have you any thoughts on the murders? I'm sure Ciel must discuss them indefinitely."
She shook her head. "I have no thoughts other than they are horrid."
He rubbed his chin, nodding. "Well, I believe I've solved it." He proclaimed.
She giggled, "Oh, so a cunning briber and a detective. How very interesting."
He laughed and nodded his head. "But first, shall we return to the house? I'm afraid I'm a bit tired."
"Of course," Astrid nodded. "You can explain once we get back."
…
Out of the corner of his eye Sebastian caught a flash of red.
Oh dear, he thought, always went I'm most busy.
"SEBBY!"
He stepped to the side, Grell missing him and falling on his face. He stood up quickly.
"Sebas-chan! Have you come to fight me for this next soul? How glorious that will be! A beautiful dance of red and black!"
"What do you mean, Grell?" his face was serious.
Grell thought a moment, pursing his lips. He pulled out a little book. "Will sent me. A lady is due," his fingers trailed down the list, "within the next hour."
Sebastian's eyes grew wide. Lady Turner, he thought, rushing off to find his Young Master.
"Sebby! Wait! Wait for me!"
Ciel was in the parlor, enjoying some tea and playing a game of chess with Adrian. That was interrupted though, as Sebastian and Grell burst through the doors. Ciel gave an irritated look. "What is that reaper doing here?"
"Young Master, he's here to collect a soul. A young woman is next on the list." Sebastian explained.
Ciel's eyes grew wide, and he put a hand to his chin to think. "Sebastian," he said calmly, "Make sure no harm comes to Madame. Find Astrid and Isaac and bring them back. We will be better equipped if everyone is together. The killer won't stand a chance."
"Heehee," Adrian stretched out his arms, his baggy sleeves covering his hands, "The plot thickens."
Ciel grinded his teeth. "Go, Sebastian."
"Yes, my lord." Sebastian burst away, searching for Madame Turner.
"You know, Earl," Grell began, "Even you can't stop someone on the to-die list. It's already been written."
Ciel's lips were a thin, solid line. "Try me."
…
Upon reentering the study, Isaac discreetly locked the doors behind him.
"I will explain to you the solution of the murders!" he proclaimed excitedly. Astrid laughed, he was always one to put on a show. "Do go on." She encouraged, taking a seat on one of the chairs.
He stayed standing grinning wryly. "It was me."
Astrid laughed once again. "Very well," she giggled, "And your evidence?"
"Well," he began, "It's been a long term project. These things take time you know."
She nodded her head, "Right, of course."
"And it's a careful sort of process. Time consuming. I can't very well go about killing willy nilly."
"Why no, you'd get caught!" she added.
He nodded.
"So, my target was never those old coons, though I was glad to see them go. My true target has always been Raquelle."
Astrid placed her hand dramatically over her chest. "You'd kill your own wife?"
She had forgotten how much fun she and Isaac used to have. He was always so hopelessly dramatic, in a very Shakespearean kind of way. But it led to great fun, and kept her amused. As for the murders, putting them in a comedic light made them less terrifying. A coping tactic he was no doubt using to his advantage after everything he'd been through.
"Yes, you see, she stole the one thing I only ever really cared about." He cleared his throat, and continued, "I had to kill her family in order to make it look like an attack on the Norton family rather than just her as a person. And so, through that guise, I would be protected."
Astrid's smile began to fade, as his words seemed to become more and more serious.
"I knew that with a case such as this, Earl Phantomhive would be the one to investigate. But I could not be certain he'd bring his female maid along with him. So I feigned insanity, knowing Raquelle would be stupid enough to employ any means to restore me."
"Isaac…"
"No, please let me finish." He said, his body shaking, "Everything I did, I did for you. All that remained was to kill Raquelle and we could be together. Don't you see that?"
Astrid could feel the blood rushing in her veins. She could tell he wasn't lying. He had killed the Nortons. She was alone in a room with a cold-blooded killer.
"Isaac," she began slowly, "To go to such extreme measures-"
"For naught!" he yelled, rushing to her and falling to his knees, taking her hands in his. "Who is he? The name you call out at night? Who is Adrian?"
She shook her head, at a loss for words. "You…you were in my room?"
His lips shaped into a broken smile, "I had to make sure you were sleeping soundly."
"Isaac this is awful! You have to turn yourself in!"
"No!" he buried his face in her skirt. "Without you I have nothing. We can be together. All that's left is Raquelle and now your Adrian. I can get rid of him. Just like all the others."
"N-no." her voice was shaking, her hands trembling, "I won't let you hurt him or your wife."
He jumped up, frothing and yelling, "I'll kill him! I'll kill you all then!" he cupped her cheeks in his hand. "If you won't be mine in this life then we'll be together in the next one."
He shook his head, tears in his eyes. "Astrid…I don't want to hurt you, I'll make it as painless as possible." He drew a knife out from his coat.
"Isaac!" she held up her hands, "Stop this! We can fix it, we'll find you help!"
"There's no helping it anymore," he shook his head sadly, twirling the knife in his hand. "We're both sinners, you and I. This is the only way we can be together."
At the sight of the knife her blood ran cold. She had nothing to defend herself with. She looked around the room frantically, her eyes desperately searching for something that could be used as a weapon.
He walked up to her, the knife in his hands, "I'll make it painless, ok?" his voice trembled.
"No!" she let out a blood-curdling scream, "Adrian!"
"You keep saying that name!" tears slipped from his eyes, "Why do you keep saying that name? You belong to me, Astrid. It's always been that way. You and I, forever." With that he lunged at her, the knife gleaming as it caught the sunlight.
…
"Sebby! Stop running, we've been through this whole house" Grell gasped, trying to catch his breath, but his energy was quickly restored as Sebastian ran his hand through his hair.
"Oh! You look so heart-throbbingly handsome when you do that! Sebastian! Let's comb each other's hair!"
Sebastian kicked Grell in the face, smiling. "No."
He opened the doors to the parlor, stepping in once more. "Bocchan, I've been through the entire Manor, and there is no sign of any intruder."
Ciel's face was hard as stone. "An inside job?"
"Perhaps, Young Master."
Madame Turner was trembling in a corner. "But what of my husband? Where is he?"
"Fear not, Madame. As far as we know he's not in any danger." Ciel assured her.
"Yes. He is with our very capable maid." Sebastian insisted.
"That's what worries me." Adrian muttered from the back.
"Astrid can handle herself, Undertaker." Sebastian said.
Grell made a face. Ciel was the first to notice. "What is it, Reaper?"
Grell pulled out his book once again. "What is this woman's name?"
"Raquelle," she quivered, "Raquelle Turner."
Grell tapped his chin. "I'm collecting an Astrid Warnett."
"Adrian!" a shrill scream echoed through the manor, reaching the ears of the men and lady in the parlor.
"Sebastian!" Ciel ordered.
Adrian took off, Sebastian by his side.
…
Astrid was able to dodge his first attack, but just barely, and the sharp end of the knife bit her side. She had too much adrenaline to worry about the pain. Right now, she just needed to get out. The doors burst open in a flurry, revealing Sebastian and Adrian. Isaac fell to the floor, a butter knife in his stomach that Astrid had been too slow to see Sebastian throw. A mess of people followed in behind, Ciel looking at Isaac in disgust. Followed by Ciel was a man, or a girl, she wasn't sure, with long red hair and reading glasses.
"Astrid!"
Adrian. She ran into his arms, hugging him tightly, her whole being shaking. "Thank god you're here," she whimpered, "He's the one behind the murders, he tried to kill me."
"It's ok," he told her, "You're safe now."
No sooner had he finished his sentence that a gunshot was heard. Astrid reached out to grab Adrian, but she was falling, and her hands didn't close fast enough on his shirt. She fell to the ground on her back, almost unaware of what had happened. It was a numb sort of pain, and in her fog she heard a menacing cackle.
"Together...forever..."
Without a moment of hesitation, Adrian pulled out a death scythe, seemingly out of nowhere, and stabbed Isaac with one swift movement. He slashed him down the chest, and Isaac's life reel bursting out in a maddened flurry, the images zooming past in a dizzying blur. With sharpened skill Adrian sliced them easily, ending the life of Isaac Turner.
"A reaper?!" Grell exclaimed in a high pitch tone.
Adrian rushed to Astrid's side, dropping his scythe and holding her head up gently. She looked at him, and laughed sadly. "What an exciting way to die." She moaned, clenching her teeth in pain.
"We'll fix you," he said, sounding crazy, "Sebastian-"
The doors of the study burst open yet again. In came Will, an unimpressed expression on his face. "Grell," he sighed, "you had one job. Can you please collect the lady's soul and put her out of her misery?"
Astrid whimpered. Adrian picked up his scythe and stood up, hovering over the brown haired man. "Not today, Will."
Will adjusted his glasses. "Adrian? Was it you then who killed that fellow? Even someone as legendary as you can't be excused for that. He wasn't on the to-die list." He explained mechanically.
"I saw his life reel. He deserved to die."
Will sighed, adjusting his glasses. "It doesn't matter. Her name has been written." He said, extending his scythe over to Astrid. Adrian blocked it with his own.
Will glared at him. "It's not up to you, Craven."
"Sebastian, save her." Ciel called from the back, tired of all the nonsense.
Will turned to face the Earl. "Some things are too far gone for even a demon to interfere with."
Ciel, however, was not one to be outdone. He tugged at his eyepatch, revealing the demonic emblem. "Sebastian! This is an order: use any means necessary to save her."
"Yes, my lord."
A/N: Dun dun dun! Haha hope you all liked this update ^^ Thanks for all the follows and favorites, I've been feeling the love :3 Don't forget to review!