Sebastian’s eyebrow rose and he stared at the other before walking over and placing his hand on her cheek, his lips curving up into a gentle smile. “You do not need saving. Not even from yourself because the way you are” He gently stroked her cheek. “is perfect.” Sebastian didn’t know where this was coming from but he didn’t care for that, this was his touch to show her that the way he felt was fake and more. “Everyone is crazy, especially our kind but that’s fine. We wear it well.” He pulled away from her and then reached his hand out to grab hers but stopped. His hand dropped to his side. “I only wish to make you happy.” His crimson eyes gazed into hers. “But we were never meant to be happy though and we stumble when we find that because everything we touch gets corrupted by our dirty hands.” He shook his head and chuckled. “We’re both demons so it should be fine if we find that happiness inside each other, yes? We can’t be corrupted more than we already are.” He stepped close and wrapped his hand around her waist. “Become crazy about me.”

@ rxvensden

6pm a evening patrol this time in the big citty, it seems that this citty hides 4 crystal and red eye familys who particpate in shady things, to shady for her tastes and the fact these are young gens pisses her of even more, plus 3 human criminal organisations. Aresting humans is easy but shadow being not so, because the corupt part of the shadow council is backing these rats big time.

So far she manange to arest 1 family the rest escapes. 6:30 pm she reached the park, looking for the rest of the escaped 4, the familys aren’t luckely that big, yet the power is and influnce is huge, she wished she had someone to help her, most members won’t or can’t do anything, she doesn’t want to risk Lunas life for this. She needed to think. 

She was not in the mood for this.  It hadn’t been a good day for business, hence why she was drinking rather than playing music, and this meant she was stuck in England for another month or more if her poor luck continued.  A musician’s life could be a difficult one indeed.

And now she had...he didn’t seem like an admirer, and his mannerisms were too highbrow for a place like this.  No nobleman though, the clothes weren’t quite ostentatious enough.  Unless he was out of fashion and slumming it?  A pest?  Well yes of course.

“Now...with that, I believe our preparations are complete.”

Giving the table one last glance with eyes of ruby, Sebastian then turns upon a heel and looks to those behind him. As per usual, Tanaka seems not to notice, while Finnian, Mey-Rin and Baldroy all stiffen as the hellishly-skilled butler gives them his attention. A quick once-over shows them to be more or less in order. At least, as orderly as such incompetent humans can manage.

Flickering a bit further to one side, he gives their newest member a subtle glance.

White waves are pulled back to leave her front bared, tumbling down to the dip of her back. Clothes match Mey-Rin's save for a few subtle differences. Rather than blue, her gown is grey, with a longer skirt that just sweeps the floor. Hands await instruction, folded at her front as she returns the look with a guarded gaze of silver.

They each linger a moment too long before Sebastian picks up where he left off.

“As you all are aware, the party our young lord is to host this evening includes a variety of potential investors for the Funtom corporation. It is therefore key that each receives the absolute best of Phantomhive hospitality. Mistakes will not be tolerated.”

The ever-so-slight pitch to the butler's tone begets yet another flinch from the humans. Tanaka only chuckles, Ryū silent and giving only a nod.

“...now! To your stations. Our guests will begin arriving shortly. Finnian, you are to take coats at the door. Mey-Rin, you will be assuring each guest's identity and invitations. Baldroy, you will be doling out refreshments alongside Ryū – you the food, and she the wine. Tanaka...you know what to do. I will be at the young lord's side to attend to his whims.”

Ever so slightly, the angel's lips quirk as she catches the hint of exasperation in the demon's voice.

With a clap of the butler’s hands, the rest scatter to take their places, but not before Sebastian steps in the angel's path. Leaning forward with mischievous eyes and a touch of a smirk, he offers, “I realize this is your first function within the young lord's service. Should you require any help, you need only ask.”

“I can handle this much,” is her clipped reply, staring straight ahead and refusing to meet his eyes.

“Do take care you don't botch it. You may be useful in some regards given your talents beyond the mortal, but the young master will not be able to stand an affront to his image by a sub-par servant. And we would so hate to lose you.”

“I will bear that in mind.”

Rather than annoyed, Sebastian simply seems all the more amused as she sidesteps, moving to fetch a tray adorned with filled glasses. Openly watching her go, he glances aside only as Ciel's arrival at the threshold of the stairs catches his eye.

Staring down at the butler haughtily, the boy follows his servant's previous gaze before giving a subtle smirk.

“Something amusing, my lord?”

“Indeed. Funny to watch a dog barking up what is clearly the wrong tree.”

For a moment the demon's jaw clenches – at both the slight of his gaze, and being referred to as a mutt. “This is her first foray into duties such as these. I simply wish to keep an eye on her – perhaps prevent any disasters.”

“Clearly.”

First at a trickle, and then in droves, the guests begin to arrive. Each servant at their station, the festivities seem to fall into place. Careful ruddy eyes keep tabs on all – ensuring Finnian does no harm, that Mey-Rin is not misreading the list beyond her glasses, nor that Baldroy nor Ryū slight any patron looking for refreshment.

All the while, Ciel conducts himself as per usual, talking with entitled tone to adults beyond his years. Not all offer respect in return, and it's clear the young lord remembers every word.

They'll have Hell to pay later.

In the middle of one such exchange, both demon and contracted stiffen as the sound of breaking glass and a shriek reaches their ears.

“You fool! Are you blind?!”

Crowds parting, Sebastian balks as red wine quickly seeps into a gown of yellow upon the figure of an investor's wife. Shards of glass litter the floor, glittering in puddles of carmine. On her palms and knees, Ryū seems to stare in wide-eyed disbelief at them.

Having stepped back from the affront, the husband gives a small smirk – one not unnoticed by watchful demon eyes.

Sitting back on her haunches, Ryū slowly shakes her head. “...forgive me, my lady – I must have caught my toe -”

“I care little why you've bumbled! Do you have any idea the cost of this dress? More than your miserable servant's life is worth!” Raising a hand, the woman seems to seek to strike the angel's cheek.

Around the room, the other servants gasp harried breaths, too far to intervene.

Yet before the blow can land, a gloved hand catches the woman's wrist.

The stunned silence seems to deepen.

“...forgive me, my dear lady,” Sebastian offers. “But there appears to be wine on your offender's cheek. Surely striking it would only soil your glove...?”

She stiffens, stealing back her arm. “Why...!”

“And, forgive me...but the reprimand of my young lord's help is my responsibility,” Sebastian goes on, peering to her coolly. “There's little need to trouble yourself. After all...I somehow doubt my young master would approve of another striking his help. Compensation will be granted, I assure you – and appropriate punishment delivered. But this not how the Phantomhive household operates.”

Behind the demon, Ryū simply stares at his back, eyes wide and mouth slightly slack with surprise. ...he stopped her...why? Surely better to let her have her way than to cause an even greater scene...!

“Mey-Rin – please attend to this lady and her gown. I'm certain we have something of equal quality for her to don for the rest of the evening. Finnian, please handle the floor. Baldroy, if you please – ensure none of the other guests have been afflicted by errant wine, nor shards of glass.”

After a hesitation of surprise, the others hurry into action, taking their orders and running with them.

“Ryū, if you would.”

Still dazed, she accepts Sebastian's offered hand, flinching as shards of glass within her palm only dig deeper. The action doesn't go unnoticed, the demon pausing before leading her through a servants’ door to the rooms beyond.

“...Sebastian, I -”

“Please, let it wait.”

Balking, the angel's gaze drops in shame, following without a word.

Soon, they find themselves within the servant's quarters. “Sit.”

She obeys.

From a cupboard, Sebastian fetches a small box of first aid, setting it to one side as Ryū stares at the floor, expression wilted. “Your hands.”

Each are bared, palm-up.

Removing his bloodied gloves, the demon takes a knee, a pair of tweezers gripping each shard and placing them in a tin. Ryū does her best not to move, ignoring the sting until only pierced flesh remains.

“This will hurt.”

Alcohol washes over the wounds, earning a small hiss down her throat. Sebastian gives her a glance, but she only stares at the marred skin. Patting them dry with a rag, he takes to winding gauze around and around – threading between her fingers and securing them down her wrists. A few flecks of blood show through, but are little more than pinpricks.

“...there. I'm sure you'll heal quickly, but at least this will play the part of appearance.”

“...ry.”

“Hm?”

Staring at the gauze, Ryū refuses to look up. “...I'm...I'm sorry.”

Sebastian considers her, hearing how difficult the apology is for the angel to make to a demon. “...it was hardly your fault.”

“But I -!”

“I hardly expect an angel – a being a grace on their worst days – to trip on an even surface. I saw the husband's smirk – it was his doing.”

“...why...?”

“Human reasoning is rarely sound. Either way, I will see to it that his lordship is made to know the true nature of your fall. But for tonight, it's best you stay out of the way. I can hardly have you getting blood on anything else – Mey-Rin will take your place, now that everyone has arrived.”

A pause. “...why...did you...”

“Why did I what?”

“...stop her.”

A brow arches. “...from striking you?”

“It would have been a just reward. Ill-intended or not, I should have avoided the misstep. I was at fault – the lord will suffer for my actions.”

“The price of a dress is hardly a concern for him. And given the man's nature to abuse his lordship's help, I doubt master Ciel will want anything to do with him. His lost business will be no real loss, I assure you.”

“You still interfered unnecessarily. It would have been simpler to simply let her strike.”

Still she stares at her hands even as Sebastian in turn stares at her. Expression cool, the demon – still knelt – takes the angel's chin in his hand. For the first time since their meeting, the gaze she gives him is unhardened. Instead, she stares with unguarded eyes of grey, lined with tears and soft with both guilt and child-like doubt.

The sight makes him hesitate – it's not at all what he expected to see.

“...and let her mar that pretty face of yours? Such would have been a crime.” In spite of his hesitation, he offers words expected, reflexive. His grip shifts slightly, cupping at a cheek as a thumb swipes an errant tear. “I could not stand to see your visage red with anything but that beautiful blush I know so well. To know she'd pained you would have made me...irritated.”

Surprise widens and lights her eyes.

“...and I think you have at least some idea what demons do when irritated.” He lets one corner of his mouth curl, both teasing...and foretelling wickedness as eyes narrow. “It may have escalated the situation slightly...but I'm sure master Ciel will agree, I did as necessary, given the truth behind the matter. To have his staff struck by a stranger would be an insult, at any rate.”

Ryū's gaze lowers, still ashamed.

“...now, I'd best ensure the party has not collapsed in my absence. One can only guess what ruins we may find without me there.”

In spite of herself, the angel's lips twitch.

“Please, wait here – there's little need to strain yourself after -”

“Ryū!”

With a bustle, Finnian, Mey-Rin and Baldroy all collapse in the hallway beyond the door, drawing the pair's gazes at the noise. Struggling to untangle themselves, they all create a cacophony as each asks over her health and composure, crowding around and pushing Sebastian to his feet at one side.

Looking surprised, Ryū softens, giving them a tired smile. “I'm all right. Sebastian's gotten me all patched up.”

“Does it hurt?” Finnian demands, eyes round with worry.

“I'll be right as rain in a few days. Just a few cuts and scrapes – really. No need to fuss, you three.”

“I assume you've all attended to your duties...?” the butler cuts in, clearly irritated.

“Yessir!” Mey-Rin replies. “There's not a spot of mess left, and the lady's been properly changed and returned to the party!”

“Master Ciel gave us leave to come check on you!” Baldroy offers. “Said he was worried how long it was takin’.”

A vein ticks in Sebastian's neck. “Worried...of course.” Beneath his breath, he mutters, “Worried there was more than a wound being seen to...”

“Either way, I'm all right,” Ryū cuts in, waving her bandaged hands. “You three'd better get back to it. There's still a party on, after all. I'm sorry you'll all have to pull my weight with my absence.”

“Not a worry,” Baldroy retorts with a grin. “After all, we managed all right without ya before!”

“Not that we don't like your help!” Finnian amends. “But we'll be okay! You just care for those hands!”

“I will.”

“Back upstairs, the lot of you,” Sebastian orders, tone curt. “To leave the ballroom unattended this long is irresponsible!”

“Y-yes, Sebastian!” all three chorus, scrambling back out of the room.

“And you, little angel...”

“Wh-?” Tensing, Ryū watches him take a hand, palm-up. Smiling with both lips and eyes, he presses the former to her gauze.

“Do take care while we're gone.”

Eyes wide, a shade of red dusts her cheeks, staring and without retort.

“Ahh, that's better – this is by far how I prefer your face to redden.” Giving one last smirk, Sebastian releases her hand and takes his leave, silent as a shadow.

Holding her kissed hand in the other, Ryū just stares after him, not sure what to think.