The carriage ride back was…awkward. And with Sebastian driving, there was no one to mediate between the two reapers, and two demons.

"Was it necessary to bring everyone?" Astrid had asked, before climbing in. Sebastian had responded that the Earl did not want them in the Manor while he was away, and Astrid nodded in understanding, before suggesting she ride up front with him. Sebastian replied with a smile that was wholly unpleasant, not giving her the benefit in the slightest.

"You're a pretty thing, even if you're rather plain." Arethusa spoke up honestly, finally breaking the tension in the small carriage.

"A maid has no need for extravagance." Astrid replied simply, not quite taking offense, and yet on her guard. This woman—well, this demon— had a very particular scent. One that Astrid almost had grasp of, but couldn't quite truly place.

"Adrian, old man," The man with green hair began, the fakest of smiles on his face, "Do tell me how this little," he motioned to Astrid, "thing happened."

"That doesn't concern you." Adrian replied flatly.

"Doesn't it now?" Ronan smiled, leaning back in his seat, "I recall people doing overtime because of her. You do know how Will hates overtime."

"That doesn't affect me in the slightest."

"No," Ronan cocked his head, still smiling, "But it does, her. What a burden that must be my dear," he voice feigned sympathy, "The weight of a soul meant to die—"

"Enough."

Arethusa laughed darkly, waving her hand at Adrian, "No, no, don't stop him. It was just getting good!"

"Adrian?" Astrid glanced at him hesitantly, her hands unconsciously closing around his robes which rested against her thigh. She wasn't quite sure what that meant, but the entire feel of the carriage had gotten rather ominous.

"Oh my," she noticed Arethusa's eyes flash, "Her fear is mesmerizing." She licked her lips and gave a mischievous smile, "However did Sebastian manage not to play with you?"

"Sebastian has a contract," Adrian spit out through gritted teeth, "As does she."

Arethusa laughed in a charming way, teasing the reaper for being so horribly strict.

"Not strict enough," Ronan muttered under his breath, though it was audible to those in the carriage.

They arrived at the mansion without much fanfare, heading straight towards the Earl's office, Sebastian moving some chairs around so that everyone could be accommodated.

The task, in itself, did not seem so dire. Astrid understood that she would be going undercover in a brothel. Dangerous by nature, of course, but perhaps she had missed something important, because she could not understand the reasoning behind hosting so many otherworldly beings for a mission such as this one.

"There were suspicious deaths involved," Ciel replied simply, "The female demon is familiar with the premises. Though this man here simply pushed his way in." He smiled cruelly, and Ronan wagged his finger like a chastising parent. "I have critical information, Young Earl. You simply fail to see it."

That seemed to irritate the Young Master. "Any information concerning reapers I can get from the Undertaker. I expect you to take this dismissal humbly."

"Is this your way of kicking me out—"

"Like my Young Master said," Sebastian was standing, ushering the reaper out of the room, "You are no longer needed."

Ronan gave a sly sort of smile, insisting he could stand on his own, and would not need to be convinced to leave. "When you run out of answers, you will come back. I won't be so compliant, then."

Ciel waved his hand, not looking at the reaper but at Sebastian instead, and Ronan returned the gesture with a cackle. "He can't tell you everything. Not when there's unauthorized souls lurking about—"

Sebastian didn't let him say anymore, the door shutting politely behind them. Astrid swallowed, inhaling softly as the men left the room.

Ciel now turned to her, reminding her of her promise, requesting her cooperation despite the fact that something like this was dangerous. Astrid insisted she understood.

"Earl," Undertaker cut in, "Why can't that one do it?"

Arethusa giggled, and Ciel cringed. "She would devour all the souls without getting any information from them."

She nodded in agreement, "Oh, you know me so well, Earl," she turned to the Undertaker, batting her lashes, "Self control is rather difficult for someone like me. Much better that your little demon does it~"

"She'll give herself away," Adrian argued, "If she's found out—"

"I won't," Astrid cut in, somewhat desperately, "You can depend on me, My Lord."

"I fully expect you to," Ciel replied flatly, folding his ringed hands over the desk, "But seeing as you are inexperienced—"

Arethusa cackled obnoxiously, her breasts bouncing with each breath, "She looks nothing like a prostitute. This won't do at all," she stood up, walking over to Astrid, and Undertaker stood up to block her, but she merely pushed him away, leaning in very close to her.

Astrid could feel the other woman's breath, her heart racing with the sudden scent that overwhelmed her entire being.

"May I?"

Astrid didn't have the chance to reply, before Arethusa was tugging at her hair, letting the curls fall between her fingers, undoing the braid. Astrid sat quietly while the demon tied it back up again, pinning her hair up against her head in a loose bun, a few curls left to hang on the side of her face. The demon stood back, admiring her handiwork.

"Better," she said flatly, "But this dress is horrid. You look like a maid."

"I am a ma—"

"You're more than that, though, aren't you?" Her eyes gleamed, her smile spreading across her face, "For one of our kind to be bound to a reaper…fufu!" She winked at Undertaker, and Astrid turned to look at him, but he was completely expressionless.

"You are one, aren't you? A shifter? You smell like one." For once her smile seemed genuine, and Astrid felt her heart beat irregularly.

"I.." she hesitated, looking around her for guidance but finding none, "Only into a cat, and even that's—"

"Then this will work," Arethusa leaned in, cupping her face before engaging the fellow demon in a deep kiss, forcing her tongue past Astrid's lips.

She could feel herself beginning to change, her mind muddling despite Adrian and the Earl's sharp protests. Arethusa pulled away with a smirk. "Shifting works best with a blank mind."

Astrid looked down at trembling, pale hands, much whiter than her skin had ever been, and out of the corner of her eye she saw her loose strands of hair were not their usual brown, but rather, a ravenous black.

"Dark hair and light eyes are quite desired these days," Arethusa offered her hand, helping Astrid stand, and turning her to face Adrian. "Isn't she beautiful? She looks just like—"

"Change her back." Adrian bit coldly.

Astrid jumped slightly, from the harsh tone of his voice. "Adrian," she began, still not completely sure what had just happened, but the Earl didn't seem to have any objections, so she knew she would simply have to accept it. Even if it meant changing her appearance. "If it will benefit our endeavors—"

"I did you a favor, didn't I reaper?" Arethusa giggled, "Though I do suppose the attire makes all the difference. Shall we dress her up? Make her look more like an aristocrat—"

"That's not the point. Earl, you can't possibly allow this."

Ciel sat, quietly watching the debacle. "A disguise is quite appropriate in this particular situation."

"I don't see why you're being so ungrateful," Arethusa said it as if she'd tasted something sour, "I thought this was your preference—"

"Demon." His eyes had gone cold. "Change her back."

"Adrian," Astrid reached for his hand, hating the way his voice sounded, "It will only be for a short time. This is for the benefit of the Phantomhives, after all." She gave him a brave sort of smile, upon which his eyes widened, and he backed away from her, gritting his teeth.

"Do not touch me with that face."

Her heart shot in panic, her blood rushing in her ears, "A-Adrian?" She moved towards him again, but again he evaded her. "This is an order," he spat, shaking his head, "Until you return to your normal form, do not come near me."

Astrid's body stiffened, the binds of the contract taking effect. She gripped for the Arethusa, watching helplessly as Adrian heading for the door, Ciel calling him back, ordering Arethusa to take care of things, and with the slowed sense of time provided by lack of breath, Astrid found herself in one of the spare bedrooms of the mansion.

Everything had happened in a blur.

"How curious." Arethusa seemed to be purring, admiring from the edge of the bed as Astrid tried to control her breathing.

Her panic subsided momentarily, but quickly began again, from the way Arethusa seemed to be staring into her soul. "Please, you have to change me back—"

"You really do smell like a demon. But it's so honestly human. And then," she giggled, "There's something else that isn't quite yo~urs~."

Astrid chewed her lip, wanting nothing more than to see Adrian.

"That reaper's left his mark on you. It's all so hopelessly romantic. Your soul would be delicious to devour, if it were meant for eating."

She clenched her jaw nervously in response, swallowing once before speaking up. "Would you kindly change me back? I'm sure I can complete what is needed of me without such drastic measures."

"You don't seem to understand the extent of things," Arethusa rubbed her chin in contemplation. "No, of course not. Just a little newborn. Why, I doubt you understand how anything works at all!" She sat down beside her on the bed, suddenly excited, "Shall I explain it to you?"

"I—"

The door opened just then with a heavy push, Sebastian standing under the frame. "I hope you are not filling her head with nonsense." He sighed, putting his hands behind his back.

"It's not your fault," Arethusa put all her attention on Astrid, ignoring Sebastian entirely, "He's always been horrid when trying to explain things properly."

"I resent that, Miss Arethusa. As a butler—"

"You're as much of a butler as I am a Saint," she spat out coldly, "This girl is now one of us and you've left her to figure everything out on her own."

"It is the most effective means by which to learn—"

Astrid cleared her throat, trying to bring herself into the conversation. "I wouldn't particularly mind…being more informed. Especially considering I am to join you in this case. I think it'd be wise to use everything I have to my advantage." She finished it off with another clear of her throat.

"Well for one thing, you should know you're peculiar."

"Arethusa—"

"Well she is!" She turned to Astrid again, "Most shifters are succubi like myself. Though there are a few that are more commonly associated with what you humans call witches. Strange things, humans. As if something like a witch could ever exist—"

"Do not deviate from the topic, Arethusa."

"Yes that's right!" She bubbled, "As I was saying. You're quite peculiar. I don't believe anyone has ever signed a contract with another immortal of all things. It's as if a human were to choose a lifetime in prison. And with someone of your rank! It's completely appalling!"

"Rank?" Astrid questioned.

Sebastian sighed, raising a gloved hand to his temple. "There is power involved, just as there is with everything. Among the most powerful are sexual demons, because the base of human desire comes from their sharply engrained need to reproduce. Access to the soul happens upon release, so it's given willingly, unlike a contract."

"That makes the connection stronger." Arethusa added with glimmering eyes.

"And I…have a good rank?"

"You can shift," Arethusa pointed at her with a sharp, black nail, "Not everyone has such a skill."

Astrid nodded, slowly taking it all in. "Is…do you—do we, I suppose…is there a king of sorts?"

Arethusa laughed, spreading out her long legs, bringing a hand to her chest. "Your innocence is so endearing! I could eat you up!"

Sebastian sighed. "King is perhaps too formal a title. But among the strongest is an incubus by the name of Lucifer."

Astrid's eyes widened, "Luci—"

Arethusa poked her nose. "It's not what you think~ But it's amusing isn't it? Lucifer," she mused, sighing happily, "It sounds like lust~"

The half demon nodded, gathering all of this new information in her head. She would have thought herself peculiar even without Arethusa's opinion. Everything about her life after having met Adrian was completely out of the ordinary. "And all of this…" Astrid spoke slowly, still trying to connect of all the pieces, "This makes me…" she crinkled her features, "You said I was not an succubus?"

"Well that's exactly what's so strange!" Arethusa practically jumped up with excitement, "You aren't anything!"

Astrid blinked with a certain sense of terror.

"What she means to say," Sebastian clarified, "Is that half-demons not borne directly from a demon, are few and far between."

"Is what they say true," Arethusa continued with her excited chatter, "Which animal did you choose?"

"Um—" Astrid struggled, suddenly feeling bombarded, "The cat?"

"Truly witch-like," she seemed mesmerized, "Oh but Sebastian," Arethusa waved her hand, "She really would have made a splendid succubus."

"It is curious…" Sebastian began. Astrid wished they'd stop saying that.

"Am…is it bad, that I'm like this?"

"I'm sure your form must come with certain advantages." Sebastian said absently.

"Perhaps she could explore them with Lucifer. I'm sure he'd be more than willing—"

Sebastian shot her a sharp glare. "Do you intend to start a war?"

Arethusa sighed romantically, "It's been so long since we've had a war…I do so miss the excitement…"

"War?" Astrid screeched.

"Reapers and demons never got along," Arethusa let out her signature laugh, "That is quite another thing. For Adrian—the man's always been eccentric, a bit of a black sheep— but to go so far as to keep you even after your change—the only possible answer would be if—"

"Arethusa." Sebastian's tone implied she stop talking.

"Oh my," she bit her lip, which did nothing to hide her smile, "Don't tell me it's true?"

Sebastian said nothing; enough to confirm Arethusa's suspicions.

The succubus's eyes widened, a short gasp on her lips and a giggle on her tongue. "Curiouser and curiouser…"

"What," Astrid almost didn't want to know, "What is it?"

"Oh do tell her Sebastian," Arethusa drawled, "You don't owe the reaper anything."

"That much at least, is true." He said with a tired sigh.

"Please," Astrid implored, starting to feel dizzy, "What is it? Is this—does this have to do with him banishing me? Something like that is reversible isn't it—"

"Calm down," Arethusa waved her hadn't with an eyeroll, "It's nothing to do with that. He couldn't banish you if he tried."

"But I—"

"Do you believe in soulmates, Miss Astrid?" Sebastian got straight to the point.

Astrid stiffened, feeling her breath catch. "I suppose…anything's possible…"

"It's nothing nearly that extravagant," Arethusa stretched out her legs, yawning in boredom, "But you humans don't have any better words for it. The closest translation would be a Ticket."

Crinkling her features like she didn't quite understand, Astrid cocked her head, "A Ticket?"

"I lied," Arethusa seemed to jump suddenly, right on top of Astrid, "It's the most exciting thing in the world! You are aware that us immortals don't have a heartbeat?"

Astrid shook her head, begging them both to slow down, because she wasn't sure she was comprehending anything. "That's impossible, I've heard Adrian's—"

Arethusa squealed, kicking her legs and flailing about the bed, "Yes he does! Why do you think that is!"

Sebastian pulled her off the bed, knocking her to the floor, so that her breasts nearly spilled out of her corset and her hair fell all over her shoulders.

"It's rather simple," the butler began, "When an immortal meets their Ticket, their hearts begin to beat, rendering them, eventually, dead."

Astrid's blood ran cold. "Dead?" Was she killing Adrian?

"It's like an insurance policy," Arethusa smiled, "Even immortals have to die some way or another. If we don't all kill each other beforehand."

"So you're saying," Astrid inhaled, "He's turning human."

Arethusa burst out laughing, still on the floor as she held onto her stomach, "Nothing like that. His clock has simply started. We all have one, you know."

Astrid's mind spun, still trying to calm herself from the fact that Adrian might very well die.

"I didn't…" she swallowed, "Know…"

"But even that didn't happen normally. You cost him a beautiful death."

"I beg your pardon?"

The demoness sighed in want, falling with her back flat on the floor, "To embrace and be embraced by death," she shivered, giggling to herself, "Oh Sebastian is sounds so positively splendid—"

"I will be taking my leave. Miss Arethusa seems to be doing the majority of the explaining here."

Astrid began to protest, but it was hardly heard over Arethusa's bell-like laughter. It was no use in any case, because Sebastian insisted he had to return to the young master, with whom he still had more pressing matters to discuss.

Once he had gone, Astrid was left to stare at her pale fingers, feeling somewhat anxious around her fellow demoness.

"Sebastian is always very knowledgable…a-and he seems very strong…" she said, trying to start the conversation anew.

"Well he would be," Arethusa yawned, "After everything that's happened." She smirked when she noticed Astrid glance in her direction, yawning again, "But I couldn't possibly tell you about anything like that."

Astrid nodded humbly, "Yes—of course—I understand."

"Very well!" Arethusa jumped on the bed, excitement spilling all over her long body, "I'll tell you! It was a long time ago—"

"Arethusa—"

"I think over…well years really has nothing to do with it. Sebastian was nothing more than an average demon. He had a different name then, can't quite remember…well it any case it doesn't matter. He had a master at the time. Fat pig of a man. Only wanted one thing: revenge on the woman who'd denied him."

Astrid couldn't help but feel that she was intruding, being given information she wasn't quite sure she was allowed to hear, and yet she did nothing to stop Arethusa from speaking.

"So Sebastian did just that, going in at night and taking her soul. Killing was such a humble thing back then." She sighed with nostalgia, going on about how easy it used to be to take a soul.

"What happened after that?"

"Oh well that's the best part!" Arethusa flashed her hands, "Just as he was about to kill her, his heart started to move. Little thing was asleep. He never even learned her name."

Astrid gasped, "Surely he didn't kill her?"

"Well of course he did! He was bound to the contract, you know. Terribly strong things, contracts. I never made much use of them."

"That…" she struggled to find the right words, "That's horrible."

"Oh, he made such a mess. Like a child throwing a tantrum. Ate millions of souls after that, getting stronger and stronger as time went on. Lucifer didn't like that very much, as you can imagine. Put a fine stop to it, he did. It was so deliciously fun to watch."

"After that was when he started to say everything tasted the same. Lucifer has a way of dulling the senses, you know. I never could understand that. But this isn't about me, fufu. In any case, our butler dearest began roaming around being absolutely boring for who knows how long. He didn't even come to play with me," she pouted, showing her distress, "But after that I suppose…that must have been…yes, that was when the little Earl came along. Such an interesting creature he is."

Astrid sat quietly, wondering if there was anything left Arethusa could possibly say. The demoness was looking at her expectantly, as if she expected Astrid to say something. But unable to come up with anything else, Astrid asked if Arethusa had ever met a Ticket of her own.

"Oh, woe is me to be so horribly unlucky," she fell back against the bed, "I beg Lucifer for death but he won't ever grant it."

"You lost your Ticket as well?"

She shrugged. "Who knows? Perhaps I ate him by mistake," she cackled to herself, filling the room with a heavy scent.

"Do you wish to die so badly?"

Arethusa's eyes widened, as if Astrid had said something insane. "Don't you? Life is so morbidly boring. Death is far more exciting."

Astrid swallowed. Adrian had also praised death in a way she wasn't quite familiar with. If she continued on as a demon, would she begin to feel this way as well?

"I do feel bad for him."

"Who?"

"Adrian of course. All reapers want a proper death."

"A proper death?"

Arethusa sat up, eyes sparkling. "Oh my. He didn't tell you, did he? Don't you know how reapers come to be?"

Astrid swallowed, "I'm afraid I don't know much of anything."

Arethusa gave a wicked smile. "They're humans who beat the clock."

"Beat the clock?"

Arethusa swiped her finger across her neck, sticking her tongue out. "Suicide~"

The gasp that parted Astrid's lips was one she couldn't help, bringing her hands up to her mouth.

"Oh darling~ Are you sure you know anything about him at all?"

Thoughts pounded in her head. He was mysterious, certainly. But he hadn't told her, perhaps because he was waiting. This was all something Adrian should have told her on his own. And yet she couldn't stop, this burning hunger in her chest that craved to know more. Because if they had come this far, then why hadn't he told her at least this much?

"Enough of that. Come," Arethusa tugged at her arm, leading her to the mirror that rested by the window. "Look at yourself. What do you see?"

It was a face unknown to Astrid. Pale skin, piercing blue eyes, and dark black hair. If the Earl had been a girl, perhaps he would have looked like this.

Arethusa smiled, resting her chin on Astrid's shoulder, and hugging her waist. "She was a Phantomhive."

"Phantomhive…?"

"One of the former Guard Dogs. Everything she did was for the sake of the Phantomhive Family. Her dedication got her killed."

"What does that have to do with Adrian?"

"Oh, he was always doting on her. It was after she died that he retired. Or was he fired…who knows. Reapers have a rather strange system. And Adrian had started playing with life reels…"

"Please. You must change me back or—"

"Fufu, does it bother you? He's immortal. How many lovers do you think he's had?"

Astrid swallowed.

"It all is so very strange…" Arethusa murmured, inhaling Astrid's scent.

"What is?"

"Your soul is completely mangled. Split in half, really. However can his heart still be beating?"

Astrid was thinking of things she'd never really wanted to know.

…

"Explain."

"Unauthorized souls are those not meant to be collected."

"They weren't meant to die, you mean."

"Something like that~"

"Now," Ciel spoke, "Who was this reaper?"

Adrian couldn't help but smile, his usual playfulness returning. "Who needs to know~"

"This is not the time for games, Undertaker."

"Heehee~ Ronan's not important."

"He seems to think he is."

Adrian hummed at that. "Mmm, he's always been that way."

"You both seem to be quite familiar. Old friends, perhaps?" Sebastian provided.

Undertaker wagged his finger at the two gentlemen, "You're jumping to con~clu~sions~"

"Undertaker," Ciel rose a hand to his temple, "We do not have the time—"

"I'm a reasonable man," he grinned behind a floppy sleeve, "Provided Astrid not go looking like that."

"The woman she shifted into. What was she to you?"

Undertaker hummed, grinning behind his bangs, "I do wonder…"

Ciel rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath, "Very well. We will apply a different disguise. Now tell me what you know of the reaper."

Adrian couldn't help but giggle at that, crossing his legs in the chair, "He's ancient~ We did our training together…" he sighed, shaking his head, "Almost failed because of that man's false pride."

"Pride?"

"Heehee~ But all pride is false, isn't it?"

"I don't care about that," Ciel was becoming impatient, "Tell me who he is, and why he would show up here."

Undertaker whined. "How would I know any of that? Maybe he was assigned a case. Fufu, or Will is punishing him…"

"You are completely useless."

The reaper's eyes flashed. "Am I?"

Ciel frowned. "Sebastian—"

"What do you plan to do with her?" Adrian asked, voice becoming suddenly serious.

"She will enter the Inn as a newcomer."

"That could take months."

"Women are quick to talk," Ciel said confidently, "I don't suspect it will take long at all—"

"Why can't the demon do it?"

"Sebastian will be there in case anything goes awry. But Astrid needs to get used to jobs such as these, if she hopes to continue working here."

"Then fire her."

"Undertaker," Sebastian spoke with forced politeness, "Do you think she'd be content with that?"

He grit his teeth, but chose to say nothing, becoming increasingly agitated from the way the Earl was calmly sipping his tea.

Arethusa came in just then, spiking the energy in the room. "Oh my," she teased, "Is this a bad time?"

"How is she?" Ciel asked.

"Sleeping," Arethusa waved him off, "Shifting takes quite a toll on that little body of hers."

"Is she back to normal?" Adrian wanted to know.

"Mmm," she hummed, sitting down and crossing her legs, "For now."

"Despicable."

She feigned distraught, throwing her hand over her chest, "Despicable?" With a sly grin and sharp nails she pointed at the undertaker, "You're the one keeping se~crets~"

"What did you tell her?"

"Enough." Ciel's cold voice cut through the bickering, his frustration getting the best of him. "How can we possibly send her in tonight if you changed her appearance?"

"Tonight wouldn't have worked to begin with," Arethusa yawned with boredom. "It's her busiest night. Madame isn't about to take on newcomers. Tomorrow will be best."

Ciel sighed, "Then tomorrow, Sebastian will offer to have her sold—"

Arethusa laughed heartily, bouncing in her chair, "Oh, you can't be serious."

Irritation ran through Ciel's veins, "What would you suggest?"

"She should approach her of her own will. It's much less suspicious. Madame is far more trusting towards those who have been accustomed to this lifestyle. They know what to expect and require less discipline. Which of course means more money for her."

"If it means more trust then we will go with that," Ciel agreed, "Assuming she will work the first night—"

"It is a bidding system," Sebastian offered, placing a stack of documents on his master's desk, "The younger the girl the more revenue."

"She's an old hag in a world like this." Arethusa teased, snuggling in closer to Undertaker, "But I can alter that~"

He pushed her away.

"That won't be necessary," Ciel said, cutting through the tension, "We merely need her to get close to the Madame. The less attention the better it will be."

"Whatever you say~"

"Is that it, then?" Adrian stood up, brushing the demoness off.

"For now."

"You should go see her," Arethusa sang, "You gave her quite a terrible fright~"

Adrian clenched his jaw and ignored them, leaving the room to go find Astrid.

…

When Astrid woke up, her body felt familiar, which was a rather strange thing to feel, considering her limbs had never felt unfamiliar before. So with slowness caused by sleep, she got up, sitting down in front of the vanity to assess her features.

It was her.

Brown hair, brown eyes, and as plain as ever. She sighed in relief.

Undoing the bun which Arethusa had granted her earlier, her fingers worked in practiced ease, braiding through the strands that seemed to fall in place from habit, her classic braid once again keeping any loose hairs out of her face.

This was all rather surreal. But everything had been rather surreal since waking up with cold blood and black fingernails. Arethusa's words had not been suspicious in the least. Not in their sound nor in their scent. Which was a rather bizarre way to describe something like words, but it was a distinction Astrid could now make.

But if all of it were true, then had she really caused Adrian as much trouble as they said? Did immortals want nothing more than to die? Which of course led to the fact that Adrian had been human, at one point in time. And in that life he'd been so unhappy as to…

If she had indeed cost him the death he deserved, why was he so willing, so selfless even if she was his 'Ticket' or whatever it might be.

Tears gathered around her eyes, wondering if she had ever granted him anything. After all he'd done for her…

The door opened, and she tensed, hoping it wouldn't be Arethusa, because she wanted just a few more moments to herself, but from scent alone she knew who it really was, and her hands dropped from her hair, tears threatening to spill from her eyes.

"Adrian!" She ran for him, practically jumping into his arms as she said his name, embracing him without the intention of letting him go. He held her close in turn, letting her curl into his neck. "I'm so sorry," she sobbed quietly, trembling against his frame, apologizing over and over, "For everything, I'm so sorry."

"Whatever for, dearest?"

"You can't," the tears didn't stop, "A proper—Because of me. Because of me—"

He began to chuckle, the deep rhythm rumbling against her own chest, and she froze, suddenly incredibly angry. This was hardly the proper time to laugh. "Adrian," she pleaded, "I—"

"Yes," he brushed her hair back, his eyes as sharp as ever, "Because of you."

He kissed her without delay, swallowing her sobs and tears and everything else, holding her cheeks between his palms in tender wanting.

"Adrian—"

"Because of you," he repeated, kissing her face, "I've everything."

Her tears seemed to have stopped. He stroked her cheeks gently with his thumb, smiling down at her. "That demon said quite a bit, didn't she?"

Astrid sniffled, nodding her head somewhat shamefully.

Adrian sighed, chuckling to himself. "Demons are always so uselessly honest."

"You don't have to explain yourself." She said quickly, trying to regain her composure.

"Hehe, perhaps you're not as honest as the rest~" He teased.

She wiped her face, before hugging him again. "When you're ready," she said between shaking breaths, "I want you to tell me everything."

He smiled though she could not see, stroking her hair between his fingers and undoing the braid she'd begun.

"In due time, dearest."

A/N: Hi to anyone who still happens to be following this lmao. So yeah. Inspiration comes in too long intervals for this story. Hope you enjoy. Please let me know what you think in the comments, I'm always curious~

GEMMA: Haha thank you!

Guest: Thanks so much! Wish updates didn't take so long!

Niamo: First of all demons and reapers hate each other, so that sort of relationship would be unlikely anyway. Secondly, I can do whatever I want and I don't really give a fuck if you stop reading. Telling me what -not- to do makes me wanna do exactly that.