yet disdainful expressions.
"Who said you can yell at Shiki like that?" Arcueid frustratedly said. "Only I can."
Ciel-Senpai could only glare at her. "Oh? So now he's also your 'property'? Fitting for a monster like you to see people as that. You can't even fathom what a human would be feeling against you."
A fouled face emerged from Arcueid. Baring her fangs threateningly on display. "Don't lump me into trying to frame me as some beast. I'm more human than you ever be. Something that YOU wouldn't understand at all. You're just the Church's puppet. Being strung along and being a good little pet."
"Oh?" Ciel cocked an eyebrow. "By all means, tell me."
"I have nothing to say to you." The vampire replied. "You're trying my patience. Y'know that? But… I'm feeling pretty generous today. I'll let you off with a warning. First AND last. So sho. Get out of here."
Ciel was taken a little back. Not by her attitude, but rather by her choice of words. "Did I hear that correctly? Are you giving me a warning? Where was this hospitality before when we met?"
Arcueid smirked in ironic amusement. "Be grateful. I'm only giving you this opportunity because Shiki has developed an attachment to you. Now… plead my warning."
Ciel-Senpai flashes a glance at me. I'm unsure what she's feeling due to her serious poker face. She probably feels upset with everything that I've done up to this point, but I can't tell what's going on.
Senpai directs her attention to Arcueid once more. Starting down at her. Slowly taking a few steps before brandishing her weapon. I can make the 'dagger' more now. It's some type of long rapier sword in her hand. Not just one, but three. All with very short hilts, enough to fit all of them in between her fingers.
"I have no time for this." Senpai threatened. "Either you leave this city now, or you'll be pummeled down to the ground."
Arcueid looked at her with bewilderment. But, that quickly changed when a wicked smile plastered onto her. "You know what? I agree with you for once. This whole conversation was pointless. Instead of talking, how about we let our actions speak?"
…
My body is telling me to get out of here. The tension between the two is enough for my instincts to want me to go. Yet I felt paralyzed. Unable to move out of fear. Each step they now take to each other makes me more and more scared. I have to stop them. But what can I do? All I could do was wave around a pocket knife. How on earth I'm supposed to ease the situation without it blowing up? Suddenly in an instant, Arcueid blips right in front of me. Her movement was so fast that I wasn't able to tell. Ciel-Senpai was a little shocked too by this move and quickly posed a fighting stance. Glaring daggers at her.
Arcueid places a hand on my shoulder. She looked at me with clear disappointment. It didn't seem or feel like it was directed at me. Rather our time got cut short. "I'm sorry, Shiki. But stay out of this one."
"Huh—?" Before I could object or anything, I felt a sudden force that pushed me away from the park, practically flinging me. For a second, it felt like I was flying in the air. All for that feeling to come crashing down when the impact of my body landing against a bush.
"Ow…" I groaned in some pain. I stumbled off the bush and onto the cold ground, trying to collect myself. As I did, I noticed some type of red liquid that got caught on my hand.
"What the? Where did this come from?" I didn't have a time process because not long after the entire ground was covered red. It caused me to jolt back up standing, as I looked around for the source of it. Glancing back at my hand, it was very apparent that the liquid I was standing on was blood. I could tell by the texture and smell of it.
Then… a sudden loud noise emitted from the park. Sounds of metal clashing against something equally as strong echoed throughout the area.
I'm getting worried. If this is occurring from what's most likely a brawl, then I have to get to Arcueid and Ciel-Senpai. Either one of them can be in serious condition. Knowing not to underestimate them, the battle could get bloody.
The force from Arcueid was enough to push me out to the empty streets of the city. However, it wasn't enough distance where I'd be getting back to the park for very long as the blood trails off outside the area from the entire park. I could see the park from a distance. A few blocks away and I'll be there. I try to run back to where I was blasted off from. As I ran my way, the sounds of the clashes became louder and louder. Sounds of things being destroyed echoed through the night. I even can smell something burning amidst the air briefly.
Eventually, I managed to make it back. However, I stopped in place from the spectacle of an intense fight between Senpai and Arcueid. They didn't seem to notice me as I was off to the side watching this unfold. Senpai flings out multiple of those swords at Arcueid, keeping her distance away while maintaining midrange. Arcueid however, was rapidly closing that gap. She jumped up in the air, seeing an opportunity to strike. Before I could process what she could do, in the blink of an eye, she slammed down towards her. The destruction of the concrete pierces my ears. A big mix of dust and blood enveloped the area for a moment, temporarily hindering my vision.
However, I see Senpai jumping out. She stood her ground and stood as she landed. As it clears out, Arcueid has an intense gaze. Ready to pounce on Ciel-Senpai if she dares to move.
"Answer me this," Senpai asked. Retaining the same gesture given back at her. "The other day ago, did you destroy that building?"
Arcueid cocked a brow at her until she realized Senpai was inquiring. "Oh, please. Nobody was hurt. Is this why you wanted to fight?"
"Please." Ciel-Senpai scoffed. "That reckless action could've hurt plenty of people. That building you destroyed could've potentially cause a domino effect onto other things too and you know it. That's why I can't let like a True Ancestor cause a mock in this city."
"Again, nobody was hurt." Arcueid sighed in annoyance. "I knew there weren't people in them. I can control myself just fine. If there were people in them, Shiki would be furious at me."
A brief shock was displayed on Senpai. "You? Considering someone's feelings? Are you fooling yourself with that notion? Lying isn't your strong suit."
Arcueid gritted her teeth. "Why am I entertaining this talk?"
Arcueid places a foot down before quickly making a mad dash at Senpai.
"Less talking, more fighting!" The vampire lunges at the executor. Senpai quickly reacted by deflecting the attack. But even I noticed that the speed Arcueid is going currently isn't something that Ciel-Senpai is used to. Arcueid has put her on the defence, unleashing a flurry of powerful attacks. The strength behind is enough for me to feel something akin to an earthquake by such force.
Senpai kept blocking and parrying. But that wasn't enough for her to not get hit as a couple of strikes managed to damage her. Varying cuts clean through her sleeves leaving trinkets blood to drip down on the ground. Of course, those wounds received must've healed already. Arcueid sends one final attack to end her offence. Sending Ciel-Senpai pushed back heavily, hitting a tree nearby from behind.
Ciel-Senpai tries to steady her stance as the blood traces downward to her fingertips from her arm. Despite how fast Arcueid was, she hadn't even broken a sweat yet. Seeing these go against each other made me feel just how 'powerless' I am, compared to these two. How on earth am I able to put a halt between them? Would they even listen at this point?
Honestly… I'm not sure anymore.
But I have to try, right?
Because In truth… I don't want to see any of them hurt. No matter what.
Especially Arcueid…
"What's wrong?" Arcueid mockingly asks. "Do you need a break to catch your breath?"
Senpai stayed silent. Readying her weapon again. This only amused Arcueid in an ironic sense. "This again? Don't you have any other moves besides being a punching bag?"
Arcueid's nails sharpened as she began to walk towards Ciel-Senpai. Unphased by anything that may come her way. "Honestly… you are something."
Ciel-Senpai could only smirk. Causing the vampire to stop with suspicion upon seeing it.
"What's so amusing?" Arcueid's tone became more aggressive. After a quick moment of silence, Ciel-Senpai points up in the sky.
"Above you."
I look up to see multiple blades about to rain down on Arcueid. My eyes widened at the sight of it as I felt no notice of them until now. Maybe it was already set up by the time I got there. To be honest, I'm not sure how Senpai could do that. Let alone 'summon' them.
Arcueid swiftly responded when she saw them. Using her hands, she broke each blade with ease. She looks at the executor with confusion. "That's your plan?" The vampire could only laugh at her face with such a 'poor' plan to pinch her like a mosquito.
"No matter…"
Arcueid gets ready again to bounce. As she does, she immediately gets pushed back as she tries to charge at Senpai. For just a moment, I saw something react when Arcueid hit against it.
I didn't realize until now, but those blades that Ciel-Senpai threw from the air were setting up the barrier as it began to become more visible revealing its pink glow and structure. I think Senpai talked before about the weapon she's holding… Black Keys, was it?
Even Arcueid didn't notice it until now. Somehow though, she looked more annoyed than ever.
"Same old tricks." She said amusingly as she dusted herself off. "You little tricks won't work now like they did before during our fight. This weak little barrier will-"
Before Arcueid could finish and do anything, Senpai threw a couple of Black Keys in her direction. But it ended up missing.
No… wait… it looked like she whiffed them intentionally-
Suddenly I see Arcueid get pushed back within the barrier. Her eyes widened as I thought that something in there had some kind of stronghold on her keeping her in place. "What is this!? A new barrier!?" She yelled.
"Surprised?" Ciel-Senpai looked a little satisfied. Now She's on the offense instead of Arcueid. Taking the opportunity, she started throwing the Black Keys to reinforce that barrier. It wasn't just that she was doing only either, that barrier that Arcueid was in seemed to be casting a spell of some sort as what appeared to be pink electricity started to slowly spark up around her.
"Grrrh—!" Arcueid struggles to do anything. I saw an attempt to move any of her limbs, but they all had some sluggish movement to them. Whatever Senpai was doing was hindering her mobility. The confidence from Arcueid quickly rubbed off. This may not be something she can handle…
"…Is this—!?" The vampire tries to break the barrier with her claws despite her hindered mobility, but to no avail.
I can't keep watching this forever helplessly… I have to do something!
I take deep breaths in an attempt to hype myself mentally. What I am about to do is gonna be the stupidest thing I could attempt to do. But hey, that's how it got me this far with Arcueid…
I take off my glasses, revealing the ugly lines of everything that I hate. The radiant glow of the barrier makes it hard to see. I can't see any lines within them much to my expectation. It was worth a try at least. I have to disrupt this thing somehow…
Maybe I could create an escape for Arcueid using the ground? I could make an entrance using my eyes… though I'm unsure of the extent of this barrier. Especially if I were to go with this, I might be making this worse for Arcueid.
I could try distracting Senpai. Maybe not fight her hopefully, but to keep her attention away from Arcueid until she can somehow break out. Judging by current options, I think the latter is my best option. Despite both of them being incredibly dangerous.
"Senpai!" I yelled out as I dashed my way towards her. Ciel-Senpai snapped in my direction and stopped any action. She looked at me with disbelief. I'm unsure what Arcueid is doing right now, but I hope she can think of something.
"Tohno-kun!? What are you doing here!?"
"Please Senpai! There's no reason for either to be fighting right now. We can talk things out!"
"You shouldn't be here!" Ciel-Senpai shook her head. "What on earth are you doing interfering by putting yourself in this position!?"
Good… her attention is on me. I can only hope to retain it as long as possible. That's all I can do…
"I know! It's idiotic! But listen to me. Stop whatever you two are doing and quit while you're ahead!"
"You got that right. Idiotic!" Senpai angrily yelled back. "I can't believe you right now! Get out of the way and get to safety!" She looks away before readying her weapon once more. Damnit! I can't let her keep doing whatever she's doing!
I step in front of her, body blocking Arcueid behind me. Senpai looked baffled for a moment, only to look at me intensely. She didn't do anything, so good on me for that.
"Please…" I looked at her pleadingly. "Don't do this…"
"You're insane." Ciel-Senpai clicks her tongue. "You're trying to protect this vampire after everything I told you about them?"
"Is it impossible to set our differences aside? We can help each other! We—!"
"Enough!" Senpai stomped. She looked at me angrily. "Move out of the way! I won't hurt you, but I won't be soft on you either! I'll make you move if I have to!"
Ciel-Senpai took a few steps towards me. I can feel she has no ill intent to hurt me in any way but suffice to say she wasn't pleased either. She meant it when she said she's gonna move me. Whether what outcome that may entail. Regardless, I remain where I stand as I try to mask the nervousness and the goosebumps all around my body.
Senpai took this notion of defiance and began to walk closer to me. Slowly closing between us.
My hands begin to sweat. If I need to, I'll have to pull out my pocket knife in my breast pocket to defend myself. But thinking about it now, potentially fighting Senpai? It sounded absurd. Could I even win?
"I'm sorry…" I muttered. "Please don't take this the wrong way."
As Ciel-Senpai kept getting closer, I began to slowly reach inside the breast pocket of my jacket.
Just then though…
A sudden loud sound of shattering erupted in my ears. It almost sounded like glass breaking yet it ringed in my ears like a bomb going off. I jerked behind me to see Arcueid standing there. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't happy she managed to break free. She looked out of breath, hunched over and sweating. Trying to keep herself together standing. It must've taken a lot out of her.
"You thought… that can stop me?" She said tiredly.
Ciel-Senpai looked at her in shock and gritted her teeth. I can hear her muttering 'unbelievable'. She completely ignores me, looking over and staring down at Arcueid.
The two locked onto each other. Ready to fight again.
These stubborn people… Without hesitation, I rushed towards Arcueid's side. "Arcueid!" I said.
" Shiki… " She said exhaustively. " You… "
"No need to say anything." I interrupted. I look back at Senpai. Her eyes glared at me now with disappointment, demanding a response from me.
"I'm sorry, Senpai…"
I know I can barely do anything Impactful right now, but I'll do what I can no matter what. Without any warning, I swept Arcueid from underneath and held her in my arms. She is surprisingly light for some reason…
" Eh? " Arcueid expression froze. She didn't register what was happening to her, processing the feedback.
"S-S…Shiki!?" Somehow, the tiredness from Arcueid seemed to vanish as she looked at me with disbelief. Her ears were red and her eyes began to dart around, unsure what to do. All she did was stay in my arms with no action to retaliate. "Eh!? E-E-EH-H-HH—! S-Shiki!?"
"I'm Sorry, Senpai! I owe you an apology and I promise I'll explain everything to you tomorrow at school!" Lord knows I have a lot to explain…
Taking the opportunity, I ran away with Arcueid. Running off from the park and making my way to her place. The last thing I saw before departing was the slack-jaw reaction from Senpai for what I did. Honestly, I can't blame either of them. But what am I supposed to do? I knew they would continue to fight, but it's not like I was strong enough to stop the fight. I kept running and running. I didn't know where I was going, but that didn't matter. As long as I could get away from Senpai from the mingling effort I could do, it was good enoughhuffed and gasped, hunched over with hands on my knees. Trying to catch my breath. I managed to find a nearby street tunnel to rest for a moment. I reached out for my glasses and wore them again. The strain on my eyes began to loosen a little as my vision adjusted itself again.
" …Arcueid… you okay? "
I looked back at Arcueid who I was no longer holding, stood there and looked at me pouting. "Geez! I told you to get out of there, didn't I?"
I thought she would be mad at me, but shockingly enough, she wasn't that angry…
Well… okay… Maybe poor choice of words there. She's quite upset at me. Just not the level I was expecting.
"That was incredibly dangerous too!" She scolded me while remaining concerned. "You could've gotten injured badly!"
" Yeah… so I'm told… "
Arcueid crossed her arms, having a puzzled face. "I'm surprised we even managed to escape at all. Ciel had plenty amount of energy to chased us down at that moment. Why didn't she?"
" Well… isn't that a good… thing?? "
Arcueid pouted at me even more. "Hmph! I want to know why you came back! After telling you to stay away, you returned! Why?"
Why are you asking me that? Could you be a little grateful you came out unscathed? Well… if she wants to know…
"You two… we're gonna kill each other… First of all." My breathing starts to slowly relax, managing to use my words properly. "Second… you probably caused more damage around you two if prolonged any futher…"
And…
"And… I didn't want to see you get hurt…"
Wait… what?
Crap… I said that out loud without thinking. I look back up at Arcueid as I straighten up my posture. She looked at me in awe, yet there was a blush present on her cheeks "Oh…" She murmured.
"I-I… I feel the same way Shiki." Arcueid Narrowed her eyes away shyly as she began to fiddle with her necklace. "I'm glad you care about me. I don't want to see you get hurt either…"
…
…
…well this is awkward. The quiet street and the noises of crickets did the talking for us. I said something embarrassing and Arcueid was here not looking at me. I know she's not angry, but still. Tonight has been a wild night. Never thought it be so chaotic, but I guess it did. I should head back.
But damn… I'm hungry.
"Well… I'll see you tomorrow night." I turned around. I'll try to make my way back home. The keyword here is 'try', because I felt a tug on my shoulder telling me to 'stop'.
"Don't." Said Arcueid. She looked at me pleadingly. Almost like a sad kitten. "You'll arrive too late to get back home. Just come stay at my place."
"Huh? But if I do, I'll-" Before I could finish, Arcueid placed a finger on my lip. Her blush remained somewhat.
"Just come, please. Besides, my place is a few blocks down. I know this tunnel. Besides, what if Ciel shows up?"
Well, she's not wrong. Also, I doubt Arcueid could potentially take me back home with her abilities. That fight seemed to take a lot of her. I wondered what went down before I arrived back. Must've been crazy.
"Okay… lead the way."
Arcueid nodded. She begins to walk before suddenly stopping. I give a concerned look before she gestures out a hand to me.
"Your hand."
"What?" I replied.
"Give me your hand. We should stay together."
I knew what she meant by this. I was a little surprised, but there's no harm in going along. I lent my hand out as she held it with firmness. I didn't expect them to be so warm and soft… and a little wet. Albeit, probably because of the sweat from me.
"Do you want some tea?" Arcueid asked.
"No, water is fine."
Eventually, we met back at Arcueid's place. Now, I'm chilling on the sofa with a blanket over my lap in her living room. Aside from her room, the apartment was pretty basic for most. No decor on the walls or anything, just a simple coffee table in front, and a TV on top of a wooden stand for it with this being near the balcony place as a bonus. The apartment is a sudo-studio one, so outside the bedroom and bathroom having its rooms, everything was all together including the kitchen and its utilities.
Arcueid eventually came with a glass of water for me and placed it down on the coffee table.
"Here." She said, "Wait one sec, I'm going to grab something else for you."
As I waited, I heard the sound of the microwave go off briefly. Not long after, Arcueid brings me what appears to be Udon in a bowl along with a fork shortly after sitting down beside me. "It's some leftover Udon I bought yesterday afternoon. I don't have any chopsticks, so a fork will do."
"Thank you…" I replied. Silently made a quick prayer before digging into it. I'm not the type of person who likes Udon usually, but when you're on an empty stomach, anything is good. It didn't take long for me to stuff my face with the noodles. My eyes glanced at Archeid, looking at me with amusement. Was there something on my face? I stop myself from eating for a moment so I can speak.
"What's up?" I asked.
"Hmm?" I can imagine Arcueid's little fake cat ears popping up in response. "Nothing. It's just that you get such a cute little face when you eat."
"H-Huh? Uh… thanks. I guess." Well, that's unexpected. I mean, I'll take it.
"Also because there's a veggie on your face."
Wha-!? I wiped my mouth with my arm and quickly found out she was telling the truth.
"Dammit! I knew it!"
Arcueid giggled as I quickly wiped it off from a nearby tissue box. I couldn't help but smile back a little at her amusement. Her giggles are quite infectious I might say.
"Thanks for letting me stay by the way," I added. "Although I'm more concerned about you. Are you sure you're feeling good?"
"You worry too much." Arcueid poked my cheek softly. "I'm fine. I only need a mere rest, is all."
I can't help it. After that fight, I've seen sort of worried sick about her. I can't tell if she fully recovered or not after the encounter with Vlov from the hotel. But if she says she's fine, then I'll have to take her word for it. Arcueid certainly does seem pretty healthy.
" Well okay… " I resumed eating the udon. We fell into a comfy silence as I take in the moment to appreciate the food I had while it lasted. Soon after a while, I finished my bowl, chugging it down with the glass of water nearby.
"So Arcueid… what do you want—?" As I turn to face her, I find out she has fallen asleep. Sat up, yet leaning a little to the left. It felt like it had only been a couple of minutes that I was eating. Of course, It probably was more than that. I could have been savouring each take of my meal in the moment to realize. Can't fault her for sleeping though. Again, that battle must had taken a toll on her.
Arcueid looked rather peaceful resting there. Though maybe she should sleep on the bed instead of here. I can sleep on the couch. I get up with my empty bowl and cup to walk over to the kitchen, putting them inside the sink. I can certainly wash them right now, but I wasn't in the mood for cleaning. I did at least rinse the dishes before leaving them.
I turned off the lights in the room before walking over to Arcueid, slowly giving her a small nudge on the shoulder to wake her up. "Hey Arcueid? Wake up for a second, will you?"
No response.
I try again, no response.
Great… she's out cold. Nothing I can do will get her to wake up. I can wake her if I tried, but I don't want to be mean. I grabbed the blanket that was once on me from the coach and placed it over Arcueid. Covering her upper and lower body.
I'll probably have to sleep on the bed then. However, the idea of sleeping in a girl's bed gave me an uneasy feeling. It wouldn't be the first time, but Arcueid's bed? Somehow it would feel kinda embarrassing strangely enough. Maybe I should just sleep on the floor instead…
" Shiki… "
I froze a little because of the unexpected call from Arcueid. She repeated my name once more. I stood there with a slightly puzzled look. Never seen her sleep talk before. I wonder what she's dreaming that involves me?
" Don't leave… "
…
…
Why did you have to say that?
I let out a soft small sigh. I'm never going to hear the end of this as to what I'm going to do. I take off my jacket and leave it hanging off the corner of the back of the coach. I raise the blanket before tucking myself in with Arcueid. It was long enough to fit two, especially very comfy and warm too.
Never thought I'd be cuddling up with her…
I looked to my right to see the open curtain balcony. The dark apartment is only illuminated by the moonlight through the glass, shining. You could even see the moon up here too. Gotta admit, it's a beautiful sight. I felt the sudden touch of something against my shoulder. As I looked to see, Arcueid rested against me.
I can feel the beat of my heart slightly increase. Never had her this close before… defenseless too…
Guess I'll take this as a sign to sleep… I begin to close my eyes. The slow darkness begins to envelop-
"Shiki…"
…maybe not. Can't sleep here if she's gonna keep muttering stuff.
"Shiki… I…"
"Arcueid?"
"…I love you."
"…love you… Shiki…"
…
…
…
…Oh.
Ciel stood there with what she could only describe as the feeling of baffled. A human, protecting and aiding a vampire? In her lifetime of being alive, never has such a concept happened in reality. She pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration. A feeling she's getting too damn accustomed to for her liking. She couldn't think. The sound of the broken public fountain of the water leaking down onto the ground purged any thinking in her head.
"What the hell was that?"
The young boy who spoke behind her belonged to the many children of the Cardinals, Mario Gallo Bestino. Quite frankly she isn't in the mood to be dealing with the pouty mouth of his foul behaviour that he acts up to be. Although his bombastic loud voice snapped her back to her senses.
"Sir?" Ciel turned toward the boy.
"Don't act so dumb to me, dumbass." The boy angrily told. "I saw that 'barrier' you were trying to cast, what the fuck was that? You had that bitch in your hands!"
"Sir, a bystander was in the way." Ciel justified her actions stoically. Hiding her genuine emotions behind her wall.
"Who gives a shit!?" The boy threw his arms up annoyingly. "You were saving that for Roa, weren't you? Sure it may not have been that pale-ass bastard, but it could've at least decommissioned that True Ancestor! It even weakened her in the aftermath!"
"But, oh no…! You didn't!" Mario continued to rant on. "You let that pussy boy take her away without so much as a fight! Not even give chase! You aren't one of our weak-ass agents, Ciel! What made you freeze like that!?"
"Sir… please." Ciel's stoicism slightly cracked, and the crack revealed her irritation. He doesn't get it.
"There's no excuse for that! If he's in the way, you disregard his life in that scenario! He's just a casualty! It's part of the job!"
The boy in the red stuffed his hands into his sweater's pockets. Letting out an aggravated noise. Somewhat cooling off after his short rant.
"…That Ancestor may have benefited us from assisting to kill that fucker each time, but she's still a vampire. We can't let her go around doing fuck all with a blatant lack of care for those in her surroundings, which means more goddamn cleaning up for the public. Including what happened a few days ago I might add?"
The boy took a few steps closer to Ciel. His scowl remained. "So… what made you stop?"
Ciel stood there in silence. Her eyes shifted away. The boy folded his arms from the reaction, raising a concern with his brow.
"Don't tell me…" Mario began to speculate. "…did you get attached to that guy?"
The executor stiffened in motion. The lack of response gives the boy the realization that he may be right in the assessment.
"Jesus Christ…" He sighed. Stepping away from the nun. "This is no longer you being the softie that you are at this point. You've only been in this city for a few months because of Roa. You're not here catching feelings like a high schooler. You're a fucking Executor. Act like one."
Ciel felt sort of exasperated that he concluded at such a thought. She doesn't like Shiki that way. There's no way. Even after a few months of adjusting and spending time with him at school. She's a tool. A tool she's willing to be so that no family would have to lose any more lives because of them. She's killed a few to save millions before, as much as she didn't like to. It's nothing out of the ordinary. Any personal guilt would be brief for Ciel as it's part of the job's nature.
"You are mistaken. The only reason why I didn't do what you suggested, is because of what I stated before. We Executors protect the people. I'll get another chance to defeat her."
Mario scoffed. "Sure. Whatever floats your boat. Just don't repeat this screwup, will you?" The boy began to walk away, seemingly done conversing with Ciel. She felt relieved being done with the boy. Not due to the fear of authority from Cardinals, or anything similar. But again, due to that intolerable behaviour of his.
As he continued, he stopped momentarily. Not even turn from the head of any kind of movement. "You've got a lot of strong points about you, Executor. But lying is at times not your strongest. Not to me anyway…"
After that was spoken, he simply left. She knows she'll meet him again soon, but her chest tightened up from his words. Brat…
It pissed her off that deep down, he's sometimes right. Even if she doesn't want to acknowledge her own emotions.
Notes: