It was already night-time, and the mansion Ferid had so generously offered as temporary lodging for Shinoa Squad was cloaked in silence. The others had retired to their rooms, but Crowley Eusford, ever the watchful predator, was not one for sleep. He prowled the mansion's dim corridors, content in the quiet, until the soft sound of petite footsteps broke his reverie.

Curious, he followed the sound to the kitchen, where he found none other than the petite squad leader, Shinoa Hiragi, gazing out of the window at the night sky.

Crowley approached silently, his vampire senses making him as quiet as the shadows that danced in the moonlight.

"Shouldn't you be asleep already?" he asked, his voice a low, velvety whisper that startled her.

Shinoa turned quickly, her foot slipping on the edge of the chair she had been standing on. She began to fall, but there was no impact. Crowley caught her with ease, his supernatural speed ensuring the chair didn't even clatter to the ground. His strength, as deadly as it was, was measured to a mortal's fragility.

"Shh," he whispered, his tone calm yet commanding, "The others will wake if you make too much noise."

Shinoa, her heart pounding more from surprise than fear, found herself staring at the vampire who now gently set her down. His crimson gaze pierced her, unreadable yet oddly compelling. Her lips parted in surprise, but no words came. Crowley noticed her tense posture and released her, his movements deliberate, ensuring she felt no threat.

"Ah... I'm sorry! I shouldn't have climbed on the chair," Shinoa said, finally finding her voice. She glanced at the window briefly before bowing slightly. "Thank you for catching me."

"No need for thanks," Crowley replied smoothly, his lips quirking into an amused smile. "I simply didn't want to deal with everyone waking up. I enjoy the silence."

Shinoa tilted her head, catching the subtle jab in his tone. "The silence after dealing with Yūichirō's antics, right?" she quipped, her sarcasm light but precise.

Crowley chuckled, a sound that was both deep and dark. "I didn't say that. But you are perceptive for a human. Brave, too."

"Brave isn't the word I'd use," Shinoa said, her violet eyes meeting his without flinching. "More like someone who's learned to adapt. I've seen my share of monsters, both real and metaphorical."

"Hn..." Crowley made a noncommittal sound, intrigued by her boldness. "So, what brings you here at this hour?"

Her serious demeanor faded, replaced with her characteristic mischievousness. "Well, I was looking for the bathroom, but after I found it, I got lost. This mansion is enormous, you know! But I stumbled upon the kitchen and thought I could retrace my steps. Clearly, that didn't work."

Crowley listened, his sharp eyes catching every subtle shift in her expression. He could sense no fear—only an unusual mix of curiosity and embarrassment.

"Haha, I see. Then allow me to escort you back," he offered, his fangs peeking through a smirk. "Unless, of course, you'd prefer to wander aimlessly?"

Shinoa grinned. "Thank you, Crowley-san. I'd appreciate the help."

As they walked, she trailed behind, her gaze fixated on his broad shoulders. The silence between them stretched until Crowley finally spoke, his tone laced with dark amusement. "You've been staring for quite some time. Is there something you wish to ask?"

Shinoa hesitated before replying. "I don't think you'd answer, so why bother?"

Crowley stopped abruptly, and a faint, predatory aura filled the air. "Ask," he said, his tone deceptively light. "I won't bite. Not tonight, anyway."

Shinoa flinched at his teasing but held her ground. "Is it true you lived during the Crusades? Yūichirō said you didn't like talking about your past, but... history fascinates me. Meeting someone who's seen it firsthand is like a dream come true."

Crowley's red eyes narrowed slightly, scanning her expression. Amusement danced in them, but so did something darker. "Ah, that idiot. I told him I don't talk to fools. But you... you're different." His voice dropped, rich with intrigue. "If you truly want to know, I'll tell you. But it's a long story. Are you prepared to stay up even later?"

Shinoa's eyes lit up with excitement. "Yes! Please tell me!"

"Very well. Follow me to the library," Crowley said, his smirk widening as he led her away.

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

The next morning, Shinoa's return to the squad was met with suspicion.

"Shinoa! Where were you last night?" Mitsuba demanded, arms crossed.

"Huh? Mitsu-chan, I think you need glasses. I slept like a baby," Shinoa replied, her tone playful. Then she leaned closer, mock gasping. "Wait... something felt off this morning. You didn't do anything naughty to me, did you? Pervert!"

"Stop saying stupid things!" Mitsuba snapped, her face turning red.

Shinoa only laughed. "I knew it! Such a pervert! Aha!"

Somewhere else in the mansion, Crowley chuckled to himself, the memory of the night's conversation fresh in his mind. Humans truly were amusing.

-END-