The garden offered a perfect hiding place when the dance instructor arrived. Sebastian had continued to make little comments about Serena joining the earl's lesson during lunch and it had finally driven her from the house. Now, the red head looked out over winter's barren landscape.
The trees were bare of leaves and the flower beds had already been covered in preparation for the first snowfall that had yet to happen. The only blooms to be found were the hardy, winter roses from Germany. When the clouds let loose the flakes they were holding, the blossoms would look like fresh blood on the pristine backdrop.
'I suppose the greenhouse would have been a more appropriate place to hide out, but I run a greater risk of being found there. No one would believe that I would be freezing my butt off in an empty garden.'
There was a large gate just past the rose bushes and Serena's curiosity got the best of her. The latch opened easily and the hinges didn't make a sound. 'Well maintained, like everything else in this house. Can't there be one thing here that isn't perfect?'
Inside she found the same covered bushes and bare, ornamental trees. The cozy corner made it's occupant relax even without the blooms and greenery. A sound from the bushes made Serena jump, her heart pounding in fear.
'Oh, get a hold of yourself. Do you honestly still believe in the 'bush monster?''
A black cat with white on it's chest and paws padded out from under the bush that had rustled and sat in the middle of the walking path. Serena took off her gloves as she walked up the path.
"So, it's just you scaring the crap out of me, huh?" The red head smiled as she knelt to let the feline sniff her fingers. The cat must have decided that she was alright as it rubbed against her fingers.
'I wonder if the cat obsession is true too?' As her fingers stroked the animal's neck she felt something. Picking it up from the sleek fur, Serena saw a necklace with a small, blood red jewel.
"A ruby necklace? Of course he wouldn't just give you a collar."
"Collars and chains are for dogs."
Serena looked up from the jewelry to see Sebastian standing at the gate. A small bowl rested in his gloved hands. The demon wore no extra clothing, but didn't flinch at the bite from the chill wind that had her huddling farther into her cloak.
"I see you found my little secret."
"Trust me, it's not much of a secret. Whoever writes Kuroshitsuji knows all about it."
The demon blinked in surprise that one of his weaknesses was so well known, but recovered quickly. He came forward and set the bowl down. Serena watched as the cat quickly abandoned her for the butler and his offering.
"What's his name?"
"Her, and she hasn't told me yet."
"You talk to animals?" Her voice gave away her disbelief.
"It's more of an impression than an actual conversation. Still, cats are the only animals that I have met in my long life that can completely hide their intentions. I can never really tell what they are going to do next."
"I always thought it was them being capricious more than hiding."
"Perhaps that's it. Or maybe, that's what they want you to think."
Serena laughed.
"It's good that speaking with my master has brought your levity back. Although, I do wonder what you were talking about."
"We were talking about you, of course." She smiled. "Why else would he ask you to leave?"
"I thought so. If you wanted to know about me, I would be a more reliable source," Sebastian said as he stood from the cat.
![Black Butler x Angel!Reader[DISCONTINUED] by NotInterestedInBs](https://img.wattpad.com/cover/22997466-80-k187455.jpg)
"But would you tell me what I wanted to know?" She narrowed her eyes in disbelief.
"What is it that you want to know?"
"What's your name?"
"Sebastian Michaelis."
Serena threw her hands up. "See?"
"You cannot get that answer from Lord Phantomhive either."
"I never said that's what we were talking about." She saw a flash of irritation in his eyes and smiled. "Not so fun, is it?"
"No, I suppose it is not." Sebastian thought for a moment. "You ran out of my master's dancing lesson."
"Well, that was an abrupt change of topic. Did you realize you were losing that argument?"
"I admit nothing."
She laughed. "Yeah, public humiliation has never really been a big priority for me. Whether it was watching or being the one watched."
"Dance skills are rather important in this era."
"I doubt that I'll be going to many balls and things like that."
"Master does plan on you being involved with his cases since you already know the truth about his position and our contract. Dancing may be needed." He held out a hand to the red head. "There is no one here now."
'You need to get over it. Most people in the world hate who they must spend their lives with.'
Serena stared that the gloved hand before taking it with a sigh. The demon wasted no time in pulling her into him.
'How often do you get to take dance lessons from a demon? I'm not giving in to anything. I'm just taking advantage of a unique situation...Right?'
"Now then, a waltz is always essential to know in any society. Just follow me."
She started out shaky, not knowing where to move. Serena laughed nervously every time she fell over her own feet and against the black clad body. Soon, the steps repeated themselves and the red head could see their pattern. When her mind was no longer occupied by her feet, she could notice how easy it was to be with Sebastian, moving with him, and the bubbly feeling in her chest.
'I could see the connection between you. You like Sebastian, admit it.'
"You're thinking awfully hard about something." Sebastian's smooth voice interrupted her thoughts and she lost her place in the steps.
She bit her bottom lip as he guided her back into the sequence. "What does being a mate mean to you?"
"I did not think the concept was that hard to grasp."
"I know the concept can mean different things to different people."
"My mate is aware. That is good."
"I'm aware that you are dodging the question." Her gaze moved to the cat, watching them patiently from her place by the bowl. She seemed to be interested in what the demon and human were doing in her little corner.
A smirk played across his lips. "My mate is a soul that was created for me. Some demons believe that mates were introduced for the purpose of taming them. A way to calm the damned down a bit."
"What do you mean?" Her voice was a little suspicious, as if the red head knew that she wouldn't like Sebastian's answer.
"A demon's mate is to be protected above all others, even themselves. Their every command is obeyed without question. Their every wish granted. A mate rules their demon."
