"Dressed like a British soldier, green hair tied neatly at the back, and ah yes. A sword. My, my. Could it really be Ronan Miller?"

The reaper stopped dead in his tracks, turning around as he cursed his rotten luck in his head. "Arethusa," he began, a charming but fake smile on his face, "It seems you haven't changed much either." He said, eyeing the barely-there purple fabric that cut in a sharp 'v' down her chest, her chest tattoos visible to anyone and everyone.

She laughed, the bell-like echo ringing in his ears. "I change quite often, my dear."

"As I'm well aware." He spat through gritted teeth.

She waved her hand at him, giggling to herself, "You reapers are always in such foul moods."

"As is customary, when in the presence of one such as yourself."

She tapped her chin with her long, black nails. "Oh my. That almost sounded like an insult, Ronan."

"What are you doing here?"

"Mmm?" She smiled widely, "Is that any of your concern?"

Ronan pulled his sword from his sheathe, pointing it at the demon. She smiled, lowering the tip with a single finger. "Sebas-chan called me. I was curious enough to oblige his request."

"You were sent for?"

She smiled, "By the Earl himself~"

The reaper withdrew his sword, pressing his lips together in dissatisfaction. "It appears we are headed the same way."

"Oh my," Arethusa's eyes flashed, "How exciting. Though I must ask: what are you doing here?"

"My job." He replied promptly.

Arethusa made a face, her long grey hair falling over her eyes, "How boring."

Ronan would have preferred to continue in silence, but this lady demon seemed intent on speaking the whole way to the manor.

"It's so nostalgic being back~ But I'd forgotten how dirty it was here."

"London always is," The reaper replied with a growl, "Now hush up. Because I'm a gentleman I won't complain, but being stuck with you isn't my ideal kind of night."

The demon laughed, the enchanting sound echoing through the rooftops. "You're such a horrible liar, Ronan darling. You'd enjoy this form more than any other~"

He ignored her, continuing on his way. "We should be there soon."

Arethusa hummed, her long hair bouncing behind her. "Al-most~" She sang, "Isn't it exciting?"

"It's just business, Demon."

She clicked her tongue. "Always so cold to me. You and Will. Absolutely horrid men."

"Then why are you walking with me? You could go on ahead." He snapped.

She smiled, tossing her hair over her shoulders, "You seem to know the way better than I."

"And what if I killed you along the way?"

She stopped, before laughing wholeheartedly at that, her breasts bouncing, nearly spilling out of the thin, short dress. "I wonder what might happen if you did~" Her eyes shined as she looked at him, and Ronan knew enough to look away.

"I wonder what He might do. Oh, Ronan darling! Kill me! Shall we add some excitement to this night?!"

"Would you be quiet! We're nearly at the Manor," He spat, "Honestly of all the days…"

It could have been worse. He could have been stuck with Sutcliff on assignment. But thinking it over, he probably would have preferred the redhead.

"It's been so long, I'm absolutely tingling!" She squealed, her dress's purple train trailing behind her, her bare feet obvious, dancing down the dirty streets of London.

Ronan rolled his green eyes, knowing she was only in it for the butler. How nice that must be, he thought, not doing a damn thing. Coming and going as one pleased, eating any given soul and making reaper's jobs all the harder. The life of a demon was a disgustingly indulgent one. Meanwhile, here he was, working overtime because Will absolutely refused. This wasn't even his bloody jurisdiction.

But no matter, he decided, tightening the loose ponytail at the back of his head. He'd get to see what it was like working with the infamous Earl Phantomhive. And if the Earl was involved, then certainly Adrian Craven was involved as well.

And that, he thought, twirling his green hair between his fingers, was certainly well worth the overtime.

"Ronaaaaaaan, darling, are we there yet?"

This damned demon. He couldn't even hear himself think.

"You're the one with the better eyesight, yes? It's just that building there."

She pouted, letting out a small whine. "That's so far."

Ronan rubbed his temple, wondering just how it was always he who ended up in these sorts of situations. But as a gentleman, he'd do his best to not lash out at the female. Even if she was bloody irritating.

Eventually, after what felt like an eternity, the queer pair reached Phantomhive Manor. The demon suggested just walking in, as she was prone to doing as she pleased, but the reaper held her back.

"You are in the presence of a gentleman, Demon, and I will act accordingly. Despite it all this is the Earl's home. We will ask for entrance respectfully."

Arethusa let out a laugh that would have rendered a doorbell useless. "A gentleman, you say? How very amusing, darling."

The reaper clenched his jaw, about to reach for the bell, when the door opened, revealing the demon butler.

"Sebas-chan!" Arethusa squealed.

Ronan hated the feeling he was starting to get. "We're here to see the Earl," he began politely, but was bulldozed by the female demon.

"Oh Sebas-chan how is he? Has he grown at all? How I long for that day! You'll share him won't you? Don't be greedy!"

The butler smiled politely, placing a hand over his chest. "The Young Master is expecting you. Please allow Mey-Rin to escort you to the study."

Arethusa jittered, clinging to the maid, touching and giggling, saying something about how nice eyes Mey-Rin had.

Ronan made to follow, but was stopped by a sharp hand. "I don't believe we invited a member of Her Majesty's cavalry."

"Charming. Truly. I need to speak to the Earl—"

"I'm afraid I can't allow—"

"We're working on the same case."

Sebastian blinked. "Your business is of no concern to the Young Master—"

"Well his business concerns us. A body was found in Oxford. I was the one to collect it. Her life reel contained a disturbing amount of images that pertain to the current issue at hand."

"And what," Sebastian smiled, "Is the current issue at hand?"

Ronan straightened his posture, "That is not your concern—"

"Then I'm afraid I cannot allow you inside—" He made to shut the door, but Ronan shot out his hand, stopping the motion. "Unauthorized souls are being collected."

Sebastian raised his brow, "The missing women?"

Ronan smiled, "Missing women you say?" He sighed as though he were exhausted, "Yes something like that. My journey has been so long. If only I were offered some hospitality, I'm sure I would be able to recall..."

The demon's face fell flat, before he gave a rather terrifying smile, cocking his head ever so slightly. "Won't you come in, Mr.?"

"Miller. Ronan Miller. Much obliged."

"Then," the demon butler said, "If you will follow me."

A proper butler would serve his master diligently. Even if it meant allowing another reaper onto the property. And though his skin was positively crawling, Sebastian maintained his polite smile, holding the door open to his Master's study to allow the reaper to enter.

"Sebastian. It's about time. Who is this?"

"Oh, Ronan darling," Arethusa purred, "So they finally let you in~"

"Silence, demon." The Earl barked.

From the corner of his eye, Sebastian saw the lady demon shiver, goosebumps lining her bare skin in tantalizing excitement. He suddenly felt hungry.

"Earl Phantomhive," Ronan began, oblivious to this all, "My name is Ronan Miller. Soul Collection: Oxford Division."

Ciel's eyes widened in surprise, before narrowing in suspicion. "Another reaper?" He accused, glaring at Sebastian.

"I have an interesting piece of information which you might find useful," Ronan smiled confidently, "Perhaps we can aid each other."

"That depends on your information," Ciel said simply, "And what it is you wish of me."

"As I explained to your butler, there has been a mass collection of unauthorized souls."

Ciel raised his brow, "Unauthorized?"

"As I said."

"You mean they weren't meant to die." Ciel clarified.

Ronan cocked his head, knowing he now had an advantage. "In a manner of speaking."

"Sebastian."

"This is the first I am hearing of this as well, Young Master."

Ciel folded his hands atop his desk. "Very well then, Reaper. So long as you do not get in our way, we will not get in yours."

"That sounds fair enough," Ronan replied with a sly grin.

"Now, Demon," Ciel said, turning to Arethusa, "It's your turn to speak."

Arethusa put a hand to her breast, gasping softly. "Oh my. What an honor, Young Earl. What is it you would like to know?" Her smile was all too pleasant, her eyes far too inviting.

Ciel ground his teeth. "How many women work for the Inn?"

The lady demon hummed. "Quite a few. Though if you mean how many sell their flesh, there were about a dozen or so of us, the last time I was here."

"And what of the patron? Does he abuse the women?"

Arethusa's eyes went wide, before she burst into laughter. "He? Oh Earl, how I love a man who can make me laugh."

"Sebastian." Ciel spat.

"From the information I recovered, he is drunk most of the time. But there are no signs of continual abuse." The butler explained.

Arethusa laughed again, Ronan letting out a sharp 'tch' while grasping at the tip of his sword.

"That's because he's not the patron." Arethusa smiled.

"Out with it." Ciel barked.

Arethusa crossed her long legs, watching the Young Earl carefully. "Molly Fitzgerald is her name. The man you were speaking of is her husband. A regular drunk without very many prospects. But Molly doesn't believe in divorce, the precious dear. I do miss her very much. Such a lovely woman—"

"Miss Arethusa," Sebastian interrupted politely, "Perhaps more information pertaining to the case?"

"It does~" She purred, "As I was saying. Molly takes very good care of her girls. They're the source of her income. Killing them off would mean poor capital."

Ciel tapped his ring finger against the desk. "The woman found in Oxford did not work at the Inn. It's possible that Mrs. Fitzgerald was exploiting poor women and then getting rid of them if they did not join her brothel."

"Oh my," Arethusa clapped her hands, "How devilish. Humans are always so interest—"

"Enough. Did Mrs. Fitzgerald have any lovers you were aware of?"

Arethusa sighed, biting her lip and folding her arms so that her breasts pressed together, one hand tapping at her chin. "Quite a few I'm afraid. She's a very beautiful woman. With money, no less."

The room fell silent, the only clear sound coming from the crackles of the fire. Ciel continued to tap his finger, thinking of possible motive.

Until Finny knocked at the door. Because it was only so obvious that it was Finny, with uneven strength and a trembling voice.

"E-Excuse me! Young Master! Mr. Sebastian-sir! The tea is r-ready!"

Ciel nodded, motioning for Sebastian to open the door.

Finny entered, pushing a cart, with tea and a few sweets on it, trying to make sure he didn't push the cart too hard.

But then he saw her. The most beautiful woman he'd ever seen.

"M-M-My LADY!" He bowed suddenly, nearly knocking the trays over, closing his eyes though he wasn't sure why.

"She's no lady," Ciel spat, "Finny, don't bow to such a person."

Finny straightened immediately, holding his master's words above all else. But even though Sebastian had taken to passing out the refreshments, Finny grabbed for the last cake, offering it to the enchanting woman with shaking hands. Really, she was dressed most indecently. And she had strange marks over her chest he couldn't really figure out. But Finny had strange marks, too. And things like that didn't really matter to him.

"For you, Miss." He swallowed.

Arethusa's eyes flashed, a blush rising to her cheeks, a high pitched squeal erupting from her throat as she grabbed the servant by the cheeks, pressing them together.

"Such a pure heart! Sebastian! You didn't tell me you lived with an angel!"

The butler deadpanned. Ciel's eye began to twitch in irritation. "Finny. Get out."

"Yes, Young Master!" He blurted, exasperated and overwhelmed, feeling like the one time he'd had a sip of Bard's beer, dizzy and happy and lost and everything at once.

But Arethusa pulled her to him, pressing his face against her chest. "Oh Earl! Can't I keep him? This precious child—"

"We've already come to an agreement. Or are you to go back on your word?"

Arethusa's eyes widened, before she giggled happily. "Oh, Earl Phantomhive. It's as though you've never dealt with a demon before." She giggled again, tilting Finny's head up by his chin with her long, black nails. "Such a silly little Master you have. Don't you think so? Fin-ny~"

"Seba—"

"Miss Arethusa," Sebastian began, pulling Finny away from her grasp, "Please do not disrupt the help."

Arethusa moaned, pouting as she let him go. "You're no fun Sebas-chan."

Finny then rushed out of the room, but not before Arethusa called out to him, insisting she'd play with him later.

"You'll do no such thing." Ciel barked. "Keep my servants out of this."

Arethusa giggled. "Ki-dding~"

"This is all wonderful chitter-chatter," Ronan said through gritted teeth and a fake smile, "But if we could all get on with the business at hand. Some of us are working overtime without compensation."

"Fufu, as if that concerns any of us—"

"This is your last warning, demon. A gentleman wouldn't strike a lady but—"

"But?" In a motion too fast for anyone to notice, Arethusa had taken hold of Ronan's scythe, the sharp at her own throat, her tongue sticking out like a dead man. "A gentleman also isn't a coward. Isn't that right? Ronan?" Her eyes gleamed, her smile that of one who was victorious.

"Tch." He yanked his sword, putting it back in it's place.

"If you're all quite done," Ciel calmly sipped his tea, "We have business to finish."

Ronan cleared his throat. "Quite right. I was going to investigate myself—"

"That won't be necessary." Ciel said, closing his eyes as he took another sip.

The reaper grimaced, "You said so yourself you wouldn't get in my way—"

"So long as you don't get in ours. I plan to send my maid in as bait."

Arethusa perked up, "Maid?"

"Miss Astrid." Sebastian explained.

Arethusa smiled, "I don't believe I've met her before…"

Ciel clenched his jaw. "In any case, she will go undercover as a new hire. Arethusa, you will present her to Miss Fitzgerald. From there she will gather all the evidence she can, and Sebastian will take care of the rest."

"Why not just kill them all?" Arethusa pouted, "Evidence is a waste of time-"

"Her Majesty requires it." Ciel said simply, starting on his pastry.

"You'd send an innocent girl into the hands of a murderer?" Ronan accused, appalled at the Earl's callousness.

"She's no girl." Sebastian smiled pleasantly, "After all, death is on her side."

Ciel smirked.

Ronan glared at the demon. "And just what is something like that supposed to mean?"

The butler raised a gloved finger to his lips, "It's a secret."

"Since we are all here. It would be best to proceed as soon as possible. Sebastian, come tomorrow morning, you will retrieve Astrid and the Undertaker. Make him understand that he is not to interfere."

Ronan's eyes widened at the mention of that name, but Arethusa spoke before he had the chance.

"Adrian?" She bit at her nail seductively, letting her legs hang over the armrest of the chair, "My, my, whatever could could a man like that be doing with a simple maid?"

"I'd quite like to know myself," Ronan added, "Earl, this Undertaker is not so trustworthy a character—"

"Your words only reflect your ignorance, Mr. Miller. I'm well aware of what I'm doing."

The reaper glared at the Earl, but appeased him nonetheless, choosing to sit back down, and smile. Because the ignorant one was not himself. Certainly, the Earl was unaware of the fact that the Undertaker was a shinigami. Though the more information he kept from this little lord, the more power he had over him. So Ronan stayed quiet. Tomorrow morning was it? What an interesting reunion that would be.

"Sebastian, old chap, shall I go with you to collect the maid tomorrow?"

"That won't be necessary—"

Ciel waved his hand carelessly, "Take him with you Sebastian. And the demon too. I don't want them in the house."

Sebastian cursed his small master in his head, but smiled; smiled so hard his eyes nearly shut, and then bowed respectfully. "Yes, my lord."

Three days. Three days worth of effort and nothing to show for it but aching limbs and bruised bones. Shapeshifting was not so easy a task. She was still in her cat form, when Adrian suggested she stop.

She wanted to protest, but the only sound to come from her were annoyed meows.

There had to be a better way of doing this. But even though she would have preferred to rest in her human form, she couldn't summon the energy to go through another painful transformation. So despite herself, she listened to her lover.

The past three days had gone relatively well, even if she'd spent the grand majority of them in pain. And at night she was still plagued by strange dreams she could not understand. But all of that became nothing but a shadow in Adrian's brilliant light. His confident laughter and teasing kisses were more than enough to keep her going. To make her want to better control this new self of hers.

Really, she wanted to keep her demon instincts as hidden as possible. Because when all was said and done, Adrian was still a reaper. And reapers and demons…

He said he didn't mind. But some part of him had to. It was like cats and dogs. Or mice and cats. It was just an inherent quality.

And it scared her.

"What are you thinking about?" Adrian came back into the room, with a small bowl of water for her to drink from. He set it down in front of her, before scratching her ears. She closed her eyes and purred in pleasure, before looking up at him curiously.

"Heehee, such a pretty kitty~" He drawled, his hat bouncing as he spoke. "Drink, hehe," he said, "It will do you good."

She licked his hand as a thank you, because no matter how hard she tried the words would materialize in nothing more than whining meows.

Adrian smiled down at his little cat, eyeing the white patch of fur that rested at the top of her head. It had not been there, until after they'd sealed their contract. Such a curious thing, that.

"You have a crown," he told her, "Right here." He poked the top of her head with his nail, and she flinched, pawing at her ears. Adrian chuckled, "That must be your bond mark, don't you think? A little white crown~" Astrid looked up at him with wide eyes, and he would have gotten a mirror to show her, had it not been for the familiar footsteps he heard outside. A shadow fell over the door of his shop, and in it he saw the outline of a man he recognized far too easily.

"Astrid." He warned, his tone sharp and biting, "Be very quiet, and stay behind me."

She looked up from her bowl, sitting up perfectly straight and letting her tail hang over the edge of the table, her gaze now fixed sharply on the door.

The bell rang as the knob was twisted and the door pushed open.

"What are you doing here?" Came Adrian's cold voice, despite the figure not having fully entered.

Astrid curled her paws, suspicious of the man who had created such sudden tension in her lover's shop.

The man replied with a chuckle, "Come now, Craven, is that any way to greet an old friend?"

Undertaker's usual whine returned, "Friend is a bit too strong a word~"

Ronan sniffed the air, pinching his nose, "It smells absolutely foul in here."

"Heehee, you did just walk in."

"Clever," he countered, tapping the edge of his rapier, "Still hanging about demons and the like, I see."

"I take care of all my guests, no matter the price~"

"Even that little one?" Ronan pointed a ringed finger, Adrian following the motion, his eyes landing on Astrid.

She stood still, eyeing the man's finger. If he dared touch her, she'd bite him.

"I never took you one for pets," Ronan began, stepping up to the cat, "But perhaps you've changed?"

Undertaker scoffed.

Ronan reached out to pet Astrid, but she bared her teeth, making a snap at the man. Ronan simply chuckled heartily. "Ah, such a feisty one. I like my women like you-"

"Get out of my shop, Miller."

"The thing is, Craven," he continued, unfazed, "I need some information."

"About?"

"The Caravan Inn. If I recall correctly, you'd frequent it with the former Earl Phantomhive, would you not?"

"Not anymore."

"Even so. Are they still in business?"

"I've no idea what you mean~"

In a moment's breath Ronan pulled out his rapier, pointing it right at Adrian's neck. "I don't have time for games today, Craven. Come now, old man. You don't want another scar, do you?"

Be it the will of the contract, or her own protectiveness over him, Astrid jumped, shifting in midair, the transformation completely painless. In one swift motion she grabbed for the canes Adrian kept behind his desk, holding it above her head to intercept the sword.

"Pardon me Sir," she said, pushing back against him, "But I won't stand for anyone threatening my Master."

Ronan's lips broke into a sly grin, pushing down with just as much strength, "I thought I smelled a demon."

"Astrid!" Adrian barked, tugging her arm and pulling her behind him, shoving Ronan back with part of his own scythe.

"Isn't it bad enough the Earl is associated with their kind? And now you've gone and-"

Adrian wagged his finger teasingly, "What I do is my bus~i~ness~"

"You." Ronan ordered, "You're the maid, aren't you?"

Astrid straightened her posture, refusing to be intimidated. "I don't believe you've the privilege of speaking to me so directly."

The reaper growled, slamming his fists against the counter, "There's no time for this! The Earl asked us to escort you back."

Adrian raised an eyebrow, "Escort?"

The ringing of the bell signaled the entrance of someone new.

Sebastian bowed respectfully, his hand placed over his chest. "Good morning, Miss Astrid."

"Sebastian!" She exclaimed, "Is everything alright?"

"Quite alright, Miss Astrid," Sebastian returned, "But I'm afraid your week is up."

"It's been four days, Demon." Adrian spat, holding on tightly to Astrid's wrist, his scythe in the other hand.

"The Earl has declared it time. I must follow my Master's orders. Please, Miss Astrid. Punctuality is important."

She looked at Adrian, who was glaring at Sebastian, before she nodded timidly. "Y-Yes, very well—"

Adrian inhaled sharply. "Astrid—"

"But," Astrid continued, "Who is this man?" She said, motioning to Ronan.

The reaper raised his brow, before pointing his sword at her, "I think the better question is who are you?"

She frowned, shooting daggers at the man. "Do you intend to stab me?"

"I don't trust your kind. You're like her, aren't you?"

"Like her?" Astrid asked.

"Ronan," Undertaker barked, "Watch your mouth."

"Miss Astrid is not a succubus, Mr. Miller." Sebastian informed, "But all can be explained on the way back. The Young Master does not like to be kept waiting."

"Yes of course," Astrid said almost immediately. But Adrian did not release her wrist.

"And if I order her to stay? What then?" Directing his question to Sebastian. But Astrid intervened. "Adrian," she said, hushed, "The Young Earl is still my master. I've already given my word to help him no matter the cost."

Ronan chuckled, "Of what value are the words of a demon?"

"Undertaker," Sebastian said, losing patience, "You've been summoned as well. Now we really must hurry, if we're to begin by tonight."

Suddenly, Adrian released his hold on Astrid's wrist, and started to laugh. And for some reason, that made Astrid more uneasy than if he would have continued in his cold tone.

"This must be so serious~" Undertaker jittered, "For the Earl to call upon two reapers, and three demons~"

Ronan's head turned sharply, his glasses catching the glare of the sun. "The Earl is aware of your status as a shinigami?"

Adrian cackled, holding his stomach and wiping away his tears of laughter. "Always one step be-hind~"

Astrid noticed Ronan's face fall flat, as he turned back around, heading for the door.

Adrian took her by the hand, and she let him lead her out of the shop, stopping to lock the door. Her heart was beating nervously. "Adrian," she whispered, not wanting the others to hear.

"Mm?" He turned the key.

"Did you say three demons?"

He paused before removing the key. "Can't you smell her?"

Astrid looked at him, before closing her eyes and inhaling deeply. There was a strange scent. One she didn't recognize, but it was almost as though she wanted to recognize it. Though the more she focused on it, the more it smelled like...

"Don't let her into your head dearie~" Adrian warned, "She's a strong one heehee..."

Astrid shook her head, trying to regain her focus. For the Earl to call upon another demon...was this case truly so serious?

A/N: Wow I wasn't planning on doing this today but it just happened so here it is! Guys thanks so much for all the follows! I'd love it if more of you could review if you find the time. It helps me gauge what you like about the story, and lets me know what you like/how I can improve! (Not to mention they're great for motivation hehe!) But as always, thanks for reading, and I hope you all enjoy the update!