Shooting with Baldroy was terrifying, to say the least. And painful.

"Keep it close to your body or you'll feel it in the morning!"

He was so loud. And with her acute ears she could hear him all the more. "R-Right!" she nodded, trying to hold the gun correctly. It felt awkward in her arms. It's weight wasn't so much of a problem; it definitely would have been before her transformation, but now it may as well have been a feather. Perhaps the main problem was the size and shape of it. She felt so small in comparison. But that was silly. MeyRin handled these too, after all. And if MeyRin could do it…

"Both eyes open!" He boomed.

"Sorry!"

"How the hell are you gonna hit the target if you're already making it harder on yourself?"

She didn't know the answer to that. Even with one eye closed, she was convinced she could see more accurately than Baldroy. Farther, sharper, better. But she opened both eyes as she was told. With shaking hands she pulled the trigger, only to have the gun kick her back, one of her legs lifting high up into the air. Baldroy burst out laughing. "The hell was that? You're like a damn baby bird."

He snatched the gun away, moving his toothpick to the other side of his mouth with his tongue. "Like this. Feet a good distance apart. Hey, you watching? Good length apart, steady yourself. Inhale. On the exhale, you shoot!" he pulled the trigger as he said so, hitting the target's bullseye easily.

Astrid watched in awe. How did someone get so good at this? And she heard MeyRin was an ever better shot. She didn't know how, exactly. The poor thing was so hopelessly clumsy. Maybe she was calmer with a gun in her hands.

She took the gun from Baldroy once more, and positioned herself as she had observed him do.

Inhale, exhale.

She shot, but it failed to hit the target. The recoil, however, was not as strong as it had been previously. So she was improving. She smiled to herself.

"The hell was that?"

"I didn't fly up this time! Did you see?"

"You didn't even hit it! Not a damn scratch!"

She smiled nervously, "Ah, well, I'll get there?"

He twirled his toothpick around. "I don't get why Sebastian's making you do this. You're clearly not-"

"We're Phantomhive servants aren't we? We have to protect this manor no matter what. Protect our master no matter what. I don't want to be useless."

Baldroy chuckled, and fanned his hand at her, "All right all right. Let's put that fire to good use, yeah? Hit the target."

She gave a firm nod, and brought the gun up to her cheek once more. She tried to remember everything he had said. Feet a good distance, steady yourself. Inhale. Match the target to the tip of the gun…

Exhaling shakily, she pulled the trigger in one swift motion, the bullet running straight through the center of the target. She couldn't help the excited 'eeep!' that left her mouth as she jumped, throwing her arms up in a victory "v."

"Did you see that?!" Her mouth was a wide grin, her eyes sparkling with pride.

Baldroy whistled, rubbing the edge of his neck, "Nicely done."

They went a few more rounds, taking up most of the morning and into the afternoon, before Baldroy decided to switch from rifles to handguns.

"I never thought guns could be so heavy," she murmured, tossing it over, getting used to the feel of it in her hand.

"It's the weight of a life," Baldroy replied easily, "Or at least, potentially." He grinned widely at her.

She nodded seriously. She knew that all of this training was just a precaution, but when or if it came down to it, would she be able to kill someone? It seemed to be a no-brainer for everyone she was involved with. Baldroy had fought in war, she didn't know the details but MeyRin had been some sort of…assassin, Sebastian—

Well he certainly wouldn't have any trouble with it. He was a demon for goodness sakes. Master Ciel could also be quite unforgiving. She wasn't sure if he himself would do anyone harm, but he certainly held no mercy when it came to ordering executions.

And then came her beloved Adrian. She nearly laughed. Death had been his whole reason for living. It was such a strange thing. She still couldn't fully wrap her mind around it.

"Oy! Focus!"

"Right!"

Baldroy could be a tough teacher. She was hoping he'd go a little easy on her, but as they persisted on, she started to realize that it simply wouldn't be that way.

After experimenting with various types of guns all day, the only thing Astrid wanted was a break. She didn't want to check on her shoulders and arms; she knew they'd be littered with various bruises. She understood why Sebastian seemed to stick with knives. Maybe she should do the same. With her new demonic abilities she'd be able to have a sharp aim. But…if this gun escapade meant anything…then maybe automatically and instinctively hitting a target was something only full demons could do. There were still moments when she still missed.

If one were to ask Astrid if she thought she was a demon, she would reply with a curt 'no.' There was nothing about herself that she deemed as very 'demonic.' Other than the whole cat situation of course. But even that was more witch-like than anything else. Did witches even exist, she wondered? It all made her head hurt. She couldn't help but wonder if there was some sort of underworld hierarchy that she'd have to be sworn into at some point or another. Like registering to be a citizen. She cringed. That was probably a stupid thought to be having. But things had to be kept in check somehow, right? Or people would be switching into demons all willy-nilly. Again, she wondered just how much was possible, staring at her opaque nails.

How did things stay in order? Was it some weird combination of checks and balances? If there were demons then that meant there had to be angels right? Reapers obviously existed. And she guessed that if all that was a reality, then vampires, witches and gods weren't so far-fetched. She wanted to ask Sebastian, but, suddenly he seemed more intimidating than usual. And she didn't want to bother him with mundane questions like these. Maybe one of these days she'd ask Adrian. Hopefully he'd answer in a straight forward way, though she doubted that would be the case. He did love his riddles, her lover.

Thinking of him, she almost didn't notice the smile that had creeped onto her face. Her heart began to pound erratically. After tonight…she and he would be…

Bound. Eternally. Adrian and Sebastian made it sound so easy. 'Oh just sign the contract, you'll be immortal.' Did she even want that? She bit her lip. She didn't know. The only thing she knew for sure was that she wanted to be with Adrian for as long as possible. And being bound to him for all eternity seemed to cover that. What on earth did a demonic contract consist of in the first place? Did they sign in blood? Probably. She could see Sebastian pulling out some sort of ancient pen and pricking her finger with it. She shivered. Part of her wanted to shift into her feline form and avoid the subject altogether. Run away, never look back.

With these thoughts in her mind, it only made it all the harder to take aim. Having a mind that wandered this much was certainly a curse. But it was all she could do to not feel horribly anxious about tonight. This certainly wasn't something she should do with any doubts in her mind. With the gun right by her cheek, she watched as the bullet left the barrel and hit the paper Baldroy had set up against some stacks of hay.

The exhale left her lips, feeling incredibly confident.

No, she thought, I have no doubts.

The source of her anxiousness was not her own, but rather she was worried about Adrian. Was he truly ok with all of this? It had been made quite clear that reapers and demons did not get along. For him to be with one…didn't that break any rules? Would it really be fine?

Not to mention that this was eternity they were talking about. It was a nearly impossible thing to wrap one's head around.

"Hey! Slow down!"

Astrid blinked rapidly, lowering the gun.

"Geez!" Baldroy snatched the gun away from her. "The hell happen to you? You used up all the rounds!"

Astrid blinked some more, looking down at her hands, which were red and shaking. "I'm…sorry." She breathed.

"Maybe that's enough for today." He suggested.

She closed her hands into fists and agreed silently, feeling somewhat embarrassed.

"That was crazy," Baldroy said, tossing the shotgun over his shoulder as they headed back towards the mansion, "You almost looked like MeyRin, hitting them all. But you were way out of it. It was like you were somewhere else."

"I guess I was just lost in thought…" she murmured.

"Perfect aim while lost in thought? Doubt it."

She blinked and glanced up at him curiously, "Perfect aim?"

"Sure, couldn't you tell? How'd you do that?"

She thought a bit, wondering if it had something to do with muscle memory. Had her body simply moved without her knowing? Perhaps the demon half had taken over, and without her human hesitation to get in the way, she had hit the target every time.

"I don't know. Lucky shot I guess?" She smiled nervously, trying to avoid Baldroy's doubtful look.

"Guess you're just a fast learner," he said, ruffling her hair, and letting it go.

She exhaled, glad he had nothing more to say about the topic, and followed him into the mansion, helping him put away the weaponry.

Once finished, she was summoned by the Earl, and went to wash up before presenting herself to him. Quickly, she made her way to the doors of his study, and knocked politely before announcing herself and stepping in.

"You wished to see me, my lord?"

Ciel stirred his tea, which Astrid assumed Sebastian had just brought, since the cup was still steaming. They must have just missed each other. Ciel nodded and motioned her to come closer, "Please, sit down."

Taking her seat across from him, she waited for her young master to speak. "Sebastian informs me you will sign a contract."

"That's correct, my lord."

"And you're aware of the consequences?"

She bowed her head, "Yes, Young Master."

Ciel calmly sipped his tea. "Are you unhappy here?"

She glanced up at him curiously, shaking her head, "No, of course not."

"Then you will continue to serve the Phantomhive name?"

"If you will allow it, sir."

Ciel nodded briefly, "With your new abilities I intend for you to join Sebastian and I in fulfilling the Queen's requests. Having two demons will be more of an advantage."

"As you wish, my lord."

"Astrid." His voice was stern, "You need to understand just exactly what a contract of this nature entails. Do you truly care for the Undertaker?"

She blushed, unable to react in any other way, "I do, my lord."

Ciel folded his hands, resting his chin on them, "Very well then. If it is what you desire then I have no wish to stop you. However, you will continue to live here for the time being. It would be inconvenient for you to be elsewhere. I will be gone soon enough, and then you may do as you please."

"G-Gone?"

Ciel glanced at her, before pointing to his eyepatch, "I must fulfill my end of the bargain."

She nodded her head rather grimly, wondering how this young boy of thirteen could say something of such severity so simply. "Yes. Yes, of course."

"It has also been brought to my attention that you wish to visit the grave of Isaac Turner."

Astrid nodded sheepishly.

"You are aware that he is the man who tried to kill you?" He slowly took another sip of his tea.

"I am."

"Why visit the grave of a man as pitiful as that?"

She inhaled, giving herself courage to speak, "Because he was not always that way, young master. I've known him since infancy, and I know that-"

"I'm afraid I cannot allow it."

"M-My lord?"

"There is an incredible amount of attention on the Turner family at the moment. I do not want it associated with the Phantomhive name. Once things have settled down, and if you still so wish, I will grant you a single day."

"Thank you, my lord."

"You should know that the wife resents you."

"I had assumed so." She admitted.

"And still, you'll go see her?"

"I need to make amends, my lord."

Ciel rested his cheek against his knuckles, "What's done is done. Nothing can change the past. I suggest you learn that quickly," then, waving his hand, "You may go."

Astrid bowed her head, and excused herself, thanking her master before leaving the room.

Her heart was thumping, and her hands itched. She didn't know why she was feeling so horribly stressed. Master Ciel always spoke so confidently, with so much purpose in his voice. She wondered how he accomplished it, at such a young age. Though in awe of him, it also made her terribly nauseous. The moment she left her master's study she felt so sick. And before she knew it, her body began to shake uncontrollably. She leaned against the wall, trying to steady herself, but she couldn't see straight. Her vision was blurring, light dimming and then sharpening in confusing patterns. Her hair was sticking to the back of her neck, and she could smell the intense scent of sweat her body was exuding. She fell to the floor in an awkward tumble, her muscles on fire, her limbs feeling as though each one were being broken, a grisly crunching noise audible as her bones grinded together.

Astrid nearly blacked out from the pain, her head feeling heavy. When she dared to open her eyes, she knew instantly that she was now a cat. The way she perceived the world as a cat was indescribable, and incomparable to her human form. With the pain now virtually gone, she was no longer anxious. In fact, she was incredibly calm.

But her paws were still itching. She needed to run. Without stopping to think twice, she dashed down the Manor, slipping out easily, leaping out into the garden.

She ran straight through, not bothering to waste time admiring the flowers or scenery or any of it. Right now she just needed to go. She needed to fly again. To go faster and faster until it felt like her paws were no longer touching the ground.

It was a wonderful feeling. She could feel a certain dryness at the back of her throat and yet it didn't bother her. She just knew she had to keep going. The cool air hit her face, ruffled her fur, made her feel alive. She lunged forward a few times, taking long leaps in between her short sprints. That was her favorite part. That was when she felt closest to the sky, despite being so low on the ground.

She had decided to follow the main road, and would have kept going, but she heard and could feel the unsettling of the earth beneath her as footsteps approached. She stopped, panting, listening to the stranger, her ears flicking about. Though still far away, from the overall aura the person gave off, she could sense that it was a man.

She was just about to turn back, when she caught the unmistakable scent. It wasn't just any man. She sat up perfectly straight, her tail curling around her paws playfully.

As Adrian strode up the road, he noticed the curious cat instantly.

"Oh? Hehe, what do we have here?"

"Meow."

Adrian crouched down, scratching the back of her ears with his long black nails. She shivered, purring in pleasure, her fur sticking up. He giggled as she moved her head, so that he would scratch in the spot that felt best. Astrid was in pure bliss.

The situation in itself was rather amusing. She wondered if Adrian knew that it was truly her. Although right now, his scratches were too good for her to focus on anything else. She fell onto her back, letting him tickle her tummy, his fingers running up and down as she stretched out. Her lips curling happily while she pawed playfully at his hands.

He let his fingers hover over her mouth and she licked them happily, reveling in his taste. It was all just so him.

"Heehee, I hope you don't do this to all the men that cross your path, dearest."

Her ears twitched, perking up upon hearing his voice. It sounded particularly deep; she didn't know if it was because of her new ears or because he was making it purposely husky. She sat up again, perfectly erect, her tail flicking behind her, while she cocked her head at him. Perhaps he had guessed it. Still, she wondered how he had managed to figure out that it was her.

He scratched just under her chin, and she lifted it to allow him better access, mewling in appreciation.

Suddenly, her body began to shake, and it felt almost as though she were slipping out of her skin. It was an uncomfortable feeling, but not painful, until she became unable to breathe. It was almost as though someone had a hold of her chest, and refused to let go. She let out a sharp scream, realizing she was somewhere in between human and feline, and with a dizzying rush, she lay panting on the ground, desperately trying to fill her lungs.

Within moments, a black coat draped over her shoulders, and she was met with emerald eyes.

"That looked painful, dearest."

She cleared her throat, shaking her head, but quickly stopped, finding her head to be pounding. She groaned, bringing a hand up to her head, "It wasn't…so bad." She exhaled, trying to steady her breathing, "Turning into a cat is much worse."

He stared at her with those curious green eyes, not saying anything.

"I'm sure it'll become easier with time." She assured him.

He placed a soft kiss on her lips. Relief washed over her. When he pulled away, she asked, "What were you doing out here? What about your shop?"

"Too see you, of course," he took her hand in his, bringing it up to his lips, "Or did you forget about tonight? Hehe naughty~"

She reddened at his words. "Of course not. But-" She stopped herself. It was almost nightfall. The sun was nearly finished setting behind them. When had it gotten so late?

"Losing track of time, love?"

She giggled at herself, "I suppose I must have."

"Shall I escort you to the Manor, milady?"

Her lips cracked into a smile, and she nodded, linking her arm through his as he helped her up. She staggered a bit, but he had a strong hold on her, not letting her go.

"Thank you, Adrian."

He hummed thoughtfully, "What were you doing out here?"

She blinked, looking up at him, "Me? I'm not quite sure to be honest. I had just finished speaking with the Young Master, when it came over me. Almost like a fever. Before I knew it I was out here. I hope I'll grow to have better control over it."

He stayed silent as they walked, his stare fixed on the ground ahead. She bit her lip nervously. She knew he was deep in thought. And that something was troubling him. His scent was heavy with worry.

"Is everything all right?" she asked hesitantly.

He wrapped his arm around her, flashing her a grin, "Don't trouble your head thinking so hard," he pulled her closer to him, "Come. After this, I can ensure your safety."

"Adrian," she stopped, "I know you're doing this for me, and truly it makes me happy, but-"

"Ah-ah-ah," he wagged his finger at her, "There you go again, thin-king~"

She sighed, "It's quite a big decision…"

"One I've already made." He said, waving the topic away easily.

She took a deep breath, wishing he wouldn't say such serious things so easily. "I won't visit Isaac."

He glanced at her, squeezing her hand, "Change of heart, dearest?"

She shook her head, squeezing his hand back, "Not exactly. The Earl has forbidden it, until the talk of the scandal dies down."

"I see." He said coldly. Dropping his hold of her hand, he turned to look at her, brushing away his bangs so that she could see him properly. "Do you want this contract?"

"Y-Yes." She replied instantly.

He cupped her chin in his hand, turning her head from side to side, examining her the way he had that first day. His eyes sparkled in the fading light.

"I wonder…" he giggled, dropping his hold to brush a few stray locks of her hair behind her ear, "What thoughts are spinning through my treasure's head."

She blushed lightly, averting her gaze, finding his eyes piercing. "I…I do want this. I'm just nervous. I used to be human. A-And forever is such a long time, I just hope I'll be able to…" she swallowed awkwardly, not sure if she should finish her sentence, "I just hope you'll be happy…with me…"

He went silent for a bit, before tracing the curve of her cheek with his fingers. "Dearest," he breathed, taking her hand and placing it over his chest, "Do you feel that?"

The steady rhythm of his heart calmed her. She looked up at him, and nodded, a faint smile tugging at her lips. He smiled at her in turn, a calm, pleasant smile that seemed to finish his argument for him. She nodded quickly before burying her face in his chest, bringing him into a hug. He wrapped his arms around her, allowing her to lose herself in his baggy robes.

"For all eternity," he said, hushed, "I will love you."

…

Everything was ready. The only thing left to do was bind hands, and seal the contract. It did not, as Astrid had originally thought, require one's signature in blood. It did, however, require sacrifice. The symbol of their contract would forever be etched into the couples' skin, branding both master and servant.

"What has been lost will not be returned." Sebastian warned ominously.

"We're well aware of the consequences." Adrian spoke.

"This will hurt, Reaper."

Adrian scoffed, glaring at Sebastian as he stuck his hand out. Astrid looked at the two men timidly, hiding her eyes behind her lashes. "Adrian, we don't have to-"

He giggled, his joyful demeanor returning, "I made up my mind a long time ago, dearest."

She smiled, creases forming around the edges of her eyes as she lifted her hand to join it in his. Adrian looked over at Sebastian, and nodded.

An awkward tension hung about the room, and because Astrid could sense Undertaker's anxiousness, along with her own, it made her all the more uneasy. Her demon heart began to pound into her chest. This would be an eternal contract. Equivalent to—if not surpassing—a marriage vow. Her heart swelled at the thought that Adrian literally wanted her for forever.

But with that thought came a new anxiety. He wouldn't…get tired of her, would he? He had managed to dispel her fears earlier, but they had returned with a vengeance. After all, if he ordered her to stay away from him, she'd have no choice but to oblige. After this moment, she would belong solely and wholly to Adrian Craven. Her rapidly beating heart was making her blood rush. Though she was partially cold blooded, she could feel a strange heat at the pit of her stomach, spreading out all the way to her fingertips, where they tingled.

Yes, she'd belong to Adrian. And if he so wished, he could throw her away. Deep down, she knew he wouldn't, hoped he wouldn't, but her worry was something she couldn't control. Especially at a time like this, with such a crucial decision about to be made. Her hands began to sweat.

"Miss Astrid." Sebastian snapped.

Her head shot up. "Oh, yes. Forgive me."

Adrian eyed her curiously. "Nervous dearie?"

She shook her head, but from the way he looked at her she knew he could tell she was lying. He pulled her hand, and she tumbled into him, clinging onto his robes to keep from falling. This was…going to happen…

"Do you feel better like this?"

She exhaled shakily, nodding her head.

"Don't let go, it will work fine this way. Right, Demon?"

"So long as your hands are clasped it makes no difference," Sebastian spoke platonically, "May we begin?"

Adrain gave an affirmative nod as Astrid clung to him, her eyes closed.

"Will it hurt terribly?" she blurted.

"You will not feel any pain, Miss Astrid. That will be taken on solely by the Reaper."

She looked from Sebastian to Adrian, "I'm sorry…"

He smiled kindly at her, "Don't be, love."

"It will be over soon enough," Sebastian ensured, "Miss Astrid, if you would please."

She inhaled deeply, nodding and looking up at Adrian, the hand that held his trembling slightly. Opening her mouth, she spoke out the words that would seal her fate.

Instantly, Adrian fell to his knees, groaning pitifully in pain. Sebastian held an amused smile on his face. Astrid couldn't bear to see him in such a state, but she knew she couldn't let go. Sebastian had warned her of the most disastrous things should she let go. Nor could she offer any words of solace, the will of the contract overpowering her own.

Just a little more, she pleaded in her head, Please hold out just a little more. Adrian.