Welcome to a new chapter of Voulez-vous!
And, no, I'm not dead xD Just lazy as heck. Anyways, my job involves typing, so I've been lazy with my fic lately. I want to thank IceMagnolia who gave me a push by favoriting the story. So, here's a new chapter! I hope ya'll enjoy!

I would like to thank everyone who favorited and followed the story! I'm sorry I'm such a lazy ass, guys! Stay with meeee hahahhaha

Chapter 17: In which Kanda receives a friendly helping hand…

Sasha gripped her ratty, brown scarf tighter around her shoulders, ignoring the fact that it had been eaten through by moths in some places, and hurried down the street. She wasn't being picky now, as she was simply glad to have something to guard her against the cold. Oh, right.

The cold.

It had been three days since Paris had been mysteriously snowed in in the middle of May, definitely not a month for the freezing wind. It had been three days since she'd had her 'incident' in the catacombs. How she'd managed to get away from the demon was still a mystery to her. Her emerald heels slipped a little on the icy cobblestones as she recalled her recent adventure. It was all a tad fuzzy.

However, she could perfectly recall that she'd ran for her life in those damned tunnels. She hadn't felt that kind of terror, the fear for her own life, in a long time. And then, she could remember the dark and its voice, calling out to her. And she could perfectly recall finding her way through the catacombs by trailing her fingers against the wall, going blindly deeper and deeper, the story of the man from the brothel creeping in the back of her mind. She could remember squeezing through some tight fits, running, still. And then, she could remember him.

What had happened, she didn't know. But, she could perfectly recall seeing her brother. Yes, her long dead brother. And he hadn't been a little boy whom she'd remembered. He had been a boy and a teenager and a boy yet again. She was sure that he had been an illusion. A trick of her mind. A wishful memory turned dream.

He was dead.

Her heels slipped once more as she rounded the corner of the abandoned district, heading for her safe house. She could see it now, at the end of the street and she could almost imagine curling up there, wrapped tightly in warm clothing and eating some leftovers. She needed to forget, like she always did. She needed to just forget. Then, the hole in her chest which was a constant, numb, presence would perhaps become a tad smaller. A little less of a hindrance. She needed to get out of her mind and body.

She needed to work.

Sasha finally reached the house, the old peeling paint and burnt door practically home-like, and she hurried in. A window clattered to her left and she paused, heading that way first. She inspected it with wary eyes, her heartbeat slowing only when she saw the frost on the frame. It had frozen and opened on its own, or, perhaps, with an aide of a local rodent or bird. Her safe house was still only hers. After all, she would be in a world of trouble if the Beggar King in whose quarter she was realized that she had been using his territory without paying the price.

"In here?" A deep voice sounded from the door and Sasha's heart jumped back into her throat. She quickly, yet quietly, crouched, pushing her body behind one of the ruined armoires. She was honestly lucky that the Madam charged their food onto their debt. If not, she would've been a tad curvier and not able to fit the small crevice. Though, it hurt the business, as not too many customers enjoyed skinny women. "Are you certain? It looks abandoned." As soon as the voice sounded a tad muffled, telling Sasha that he'd turned to the other side of the room, she chanced a look at him.

The man was no thief.

Sasha realized as soon as she saw the boots and coat he had on. They were high quality, with real silver. Ever from this far away, she could tell. As her heart hammered loudly in her chest, her brain was working in overdrive. Who, then? If it wasn't the Beggar King who had realized that she'd been squatting, who? She hadn't made any new enemies lately. She had been focused on the new clients at Les belles nuits. Who was coming for her? And, were they even here for her?

A string of words on French caught her attention and her eyes widened in realization. That voice! It was Élodie. This time, Sasha didn't risk the glance around the corner. If it was Élodie, then surely, she was leading the man here for her. The young woman took a deep, silent breath, forcing her body to relax the way she'd learnt a long time ago in a tiny country on the Balkans. You ignore the danger, picture yourself lying in your own bed and let go of the tension. Immediately, she felt the way her legs were tingling in that odd position. Like a thousand ants were crawling across them. But, even through your legs falling asleep was unfortunate in a situation like this, moving would certainly get her noticed. She grit her teeth as the feeling in her legs completely vanished, leaving them like two numb flesh lumps in a strange position in front of her.

Sasha couldn't believe that she was thinking it, but she was relieved when the two managed to find her secret passage into the hideout. As soon as their footsteps became silent she clawed her way out of the crevice and stumbled for the door. Her legs were still shaky, her head pounding from the brush with danger and there was a large smile on her face. It had been a while. The ratty brown scarf fell to the floor as the young prostitute tore her way down the street.

Sasha smacked her lips together once more, spreading the color evenly, and then positioned her breasts again in the corset, making them look as attractive as possible. The carriage she had been riding in, a rare luxury, stopped. She grabbed her purse, gathered her skirts and waited for the footman to help her out. She gave some money to him, along with a small tip, and headed for the large house they had stopped in front of.

It was a giant structure, clearly made with various influences, rising high into the air above the houses in the neighborhood. The whole area was quite grand, not just this house, but it simply stood out, even in the clearly wealthy neighborhood. The walls were white with grey details, tiny statues and decorations making it look almost like a castle. There were three, rather large, tower-like structures rising into the sky, each with their own balcony almost at the top. The windows were all tall, in at least three parts, probably a nightmare for any maid. Finally, the small yard in front of the giant wooden doors was also decorated with statues of little angles and boys, playing with water. Altogether, they seemed to form a large fountain or some kind of irrigation system.

For Sasha, it was a sight she took in with a blank face. The Madam had taught them, after all. No matter how rich your client is, never show them that you aren't on their level. If you do, then you simply become a common prostitute whom he can discard when he's done. If not, you intrigue him. You are something that his riches can't buy. Hence, you are something that he wants for himself.

She wasn't sure if she agreed with the Madam's words. Sure, it only made sense that the rich would want what they can't have. That was true for everyone. But, she liked to believe that there was more to it. She liked to believe that there was a certain thrill that a man felt when he visited their houses of pleasure. Perhaps she still hadn't managed to get rid of her romantic notions of what love and sex should be, especially when mixed together.

But, to Sasha this kind of luxury would never be impressive. The girl looked around the garden with a curious, yet impassive gaze as a servant led her towards the well-lit house. After all, she had seen better. She had seen more grandiose. She had seen a real palace. This… This was a mere shadow of what a castle should be. And to Sasha's eyes, it served only as a bitter reminder and nothing else.

The giant doors opened and she was led into the luxurious foyer, the servant offering to take her coat. She shed the cloak of warm and heavy plush fabric, leaving her in the new dress she'd worn only once before. The white corset was tight around her waist, yet a tad loose at the top of her breasts, allowing them to shift gently as she moved. The thousands of tiny shimmering rocks, fake, unfortunately, complemented the turquoise and white layered skirts with their blue shine. At her feet were, on this occasion, blue heels which she'd borrowed. Blue wasn't her color, after all. No matter how well she looked in it, she wasn't allowed to wear it. But, today, here, it didn't matter which color the Madam had assigned to her. This time, she was a guest.

"Sasha!" A boyish voice exclaimed from the staircase. "You're here!" Jean-Joël hopped down one of the staircases and bounded towards her. He still looked as youthful and innocent as the last time she saw him, despite the fact that she'd taken him up to her rooms. "I didn't know if you'd be available, considering how late I called in."

"I managed to shuffle some appointments around." Sasha offered with a small smile. He took her hand, bringing it up to his mouth in a smooth motion and planted a kiss there, on top of her glove.

"Shall we?" Jean-Joël asked, obviously pleased with himself. "I wish to show you my latest achievement. She is a beauty." He explained with a smile. "Not like you, you are exquisite." He fumbled with his words, a blush covering his cheeks. "But I think that she is quite something, too. You will like her." And with that, he offered her his elbow and led the way through the grand foyer and towards the back yard.

Sasha absent-mindedly took in the lavish home some more while Jean-Joël chattered away. She only had to say a few words here and there to encourage him, and he held up the rest of the conversation. He was telling her about his horses again, about their breeding and which he could race and where. As for her, her mind wondered back to the moment she'd arrived back at the brothel.

The Madam had been waiting for her at the bar, preparing the drinks for the festivities that evening. She'd grabbed the young girl's upper arm in a vice grip and pulled her upstairs. Then, she'd given strict instructions in a voice which left no room for arguments. Sasha was to get cleaned up, dressed in a color different to her assigned one and visit a wealthy client. She wasn't to give her location to any of the other girls and she was to stay there until the Madam called for her. She was to hide.

And, Jean-Joël had called for her at the best moment possible. So, here she was, looking at the brown mare the young aristocrat had brought from their stables outside of Paris to the main house just to show her. It was a magnificent beast, if she had to say anything. Its coat was well cared for, teeth in perfect condition and she was young, Sasha could tell. Her father had made certain that she knew how to tell apart a good horse with a single look. And, this one, it held spirit in her eyes.

"I want to breed her with the stallion I usually race." Jean-Joël explained. "I think that the offspring would be magnificent, no?" He was looking at her hopefully, seeking approval.

"Indeed, I think you are very wise in your decision." Sasha agreed. She glanced at the youth, making her expression a shy one. "Would it be possible… No, it's silly…" She trailed off, looking to the side. There was nothing a boy like that could resist more than making an experienced woman shy. She knew exactly what kind of a front she needed to put up in order to get him to do anything she wished.

"Mademoiselle Sasha, tell me what you wish for." Jean-Joël looked determined when she glanced at him once more. "If it's in my power to grant, I shall." He smirked. "And little is within my reach, Mademoiselle."

"Could we go closer to it?" Sasha asked, her eyes meeting his with a hopeful gleam. Jean-Joël practically shined with pride.

"I was hoping that you would ask that of me!" And he led her forward.

Kanda switched his grip on Mugen, making it as strong as possible. He'd found the Akuma fairly easily. After all, when they were of that size, they were hard to miss. The damned thing was a Level 2 and the size of a small boat. It had been the battle which was troublesome. He couldn't walk on water, for God's sake. That was probably why Komui was sending the Idiot Rabbit to help. With his Innocence, Lavi could reach what Kanda couldn't.

But, he'd been a bit too eager, not that he would admit it. So, this left him in an annoying situation of shooting his Kaichū from the shore at the Akuma, which was staying away from his range, all the while firing at him.

"Come over here, you damned thing." He cursed, looking for a way to reach the Akuma. Just as he was about to throw caution to the wind and jump into the water to swim to the damned thing, a familiar shout for Innocence activation came from above him, from the top of the cliffs.

"Extend!" The black handle of Lavi's hammer appeared in his field of vision, just a meter or so above him. It flew towards the Akuma on the sea. Kanda didn't hesitate one bit before he flung himself up, as hard as he could, landing on the makeshift path. He heard the Stupid Rabbit grunt behind him, but paid it no mind as he ran forward, eyes fixed on his target. The Akuma started moving, its canons switching upwards to accommodate the change in target location.

But, Kanda had counted on that. He jumped down from the metal line as soon as he was close enough, landing on the deck, the body of the Akuma. His Mugen slashed across the expanse of wooden and metal demon, disabling the weapons he could see and heading for the siren-like form at the helm which was screaming about killing all Exorcists.

Kanda stopped short of it as soon as it didn't have any weapons operational to after him with and pulled his Mugen up. It lined parallel to the ground, in front of his face, glinting just in between his eyes and smirk as he raised it to the perfect level. Ignoring the loud shouts coming from the shore and the squealing of the Akuma, he whispered.

"Kaichū: Ichigen." With a direct shot like that, the poor thing didn't stand a chance. Kanda almost felt sorry for the Akuma as its ship-like form began to disintegrate and sink. Unfortunately, he realized a small problem which he hadn't calculated into his plan beforehand. He was in the middle of the fricking ocean on a sinking Akuma, with no way back to the shore. At least, no way back dry.

With a sigh of utter frustration Kanda jumped from the sinking Akuma into the sea, preparing for the warm salty water mentally. The swim back to the bank was rough, especially until he managed to get out of the range of the sinking body of the damned Akuma. On his way to the cliffs he decided that this was, most definitely, one of the most annoying Akuma he'd had to dispatch of. It made the list of top five, along with the one which had made him see illusions of it with some form of dust.

As soon as Kanda was out of the water, evading the sharp rocks and seashells stuck to the bank shore, a small hammer extended downwards to him. He could spot the telltale red hair on the cliffs above him. But, not even Kanda was above getting a hand out of that shithole. He grabbed onto the handle and allowed Lavi to pull him up.

"Oh, Yu-chan!" The Rabbit exclaimed as soon as they were within earshot of each other. "You really need to stop rushing in on your own, you know? I could've helped much more than being your free ride." With a single look, Kanda managed to shut the idiot Exorcist up, wringing his coat out as he walked towards the direction of the inn. He wanted nothing more than a meal and perhaps a good night's sleep before he headed back to HQ. Unfortunately, that didn't stop the redhead from catching up to his long stride and chattering about some stupid thing which had happened on his way towards the mission location.

Kanda groaned.

Sasha slowly rose from the bed, the morning sun greeting her from the large window to the left. She tossed one glance at Jean-Joël, who was sleeping peacefully in the same bed and decided that she had some more time before he woke up or she had to rouse him. She slipped out of the sheets completely and walked over to the adjoining bathroom, while still in the nude. There was already a bathtub full of hot water there, waiting. She smiled at the thoughtfulness of Jean-Joël's servants and slipped in.

Her brain woke up as soon as she relaxed, going a mile a minute and figuring out her current situation. There was a man after her, that much she knew. And, the Madam was trying to keep her safe, secure her investment, by placing her in the wealthiest client's home without any identifying markers attached. But, Sasha didn't care about the past. These were only the facts which she needed in order to figure out what was essential. Her game plan. She needed at least two solid ways out.

The first one was rather obvious, she could let the Madam get her out of that mess. The woman was beyond resourceful, which had been one of the reasons why Sasha had entered her employment in the first place. However, she doubted that even the Madam could go against the Church for long. Yes, Sasha had spotted that silver cross on the breast side of the man's coat. She'd seen it enough times in order to recognize it with a single glance. She was being hunted down by the Black Order and she didn't know why. Frankly, she didn't trust anyone beyond her precious samurai in the organization. They were notorious for taking people who never returned to their homes. What happened to them, nobody knew. They became Exorcists, maybe. Or Finders. Or they served as people whom they got information from. She honestly didn't know. The only thing she was certain of was, that she wouldn't be going anywhere with that man.

The second way out, she was still working on. Perhaps she could go to her former employer, the Beggar King. With his resources and connections, he could get her out of the city unnoticed. Though, that would put her in his debt. And, with her stash discovered, she was certain that it was completely gone. She had nothing, once more, not even the clothes on her back, and someone after her.

With a sigh, Sasha dunked under the water surface, wetting her hair. She then grabbed the closest soap and poured it over herself, beginning to scrub. It seemed that her life was full of someone chasing after her and her running with nothing but her own skin. Sasha stood, rinsing the suds off and grabbing the closest white towel to wrap around herself. She would figure it out later. For now, she would count of the Madam taking care of her. And, as a last resort, she would go to Francois, the Beggar King. She would accept even a lifetime debt if it got her out of this mess.

"You're awake?" Jean-Joël blinked up from the soft pillows, seeing Sasha looking towards the ground behind the property from the large windows. She turned and smiled. "Come back to bed, my Sasha." He called and she obliged, despite still being wet from her bath. She crawled in, getting onto her knees, and then slowly unhooked the towel from around her body. It slid down, Jean-Joël's eyes following the path. With a smirk, she got on all fours and headed for the boy whose face was getting redder by the second.

"Your wish is my command, Monsieur Mignard." Jean-Joël groaned at the words, but it quickly turned into a gasp as her hands reached his exposed skin.

Sasha had to admit that she could get used to this kind of pampering. Jean-Joël had ordered their breakfast brought up to his rooms, after their bath, which had been eventful. The plates of food which she was enjoying were filled with the most scrumptious food France could offer. Croissants, crème brûlée, charlotte, crepes with different jams and bananas and chocolate, tulipes, tarte tatin and many more. Clearly, someone had taught Jean-Joël that a way to a girl's heart was through her sweet tooth, which was a hundred percent true.

"Are you happy, Sasha?" Jean-Joël asked, watching her break the crust of her crème brûlée with her spoon. As she got started on it, she glanced over at the boy, surprised.

"Hm?" She swallowed quickly. "Of course, Jean." She replied with a smile. They were sitting under the silk sheets of Jean-Joël's bed, enjoying the various treats in front of them.

"B-because I could, I mean, I c-could offer you this for the rest of your life." Jean-Joël stumbled with his words for the first time that day, looking at his food intensely. Sasha was so stunned that she didn't reply for a moment. Which, allowed Jean-Joël to continue. "I could pay off your debt to the Madam and purchase your contract."

"Jean…" Sasha trailed off. "I don't know what to say." She lowered the small decorated bowl of crème brûlée to the silver tray.

"Say yes, my Sasha." Jean-Joël twisted under the sheets, coming closer to her. His hand came up to brush the hair back from her shoulder and caress the skin there. "You know that I will treat you like a Princess if you allow me the honor." He pulled her gently in for a kiss and she tasted strawberries on his tongue. Against her lips, he whispered. "You would have anything you wished for."

"Jean, I couldn't." Sasha slowly pulled away, taking his hands into hers. "You must remember that I am a prostitute. I could never be yours in the way you want me to." The boy shook his head, eyes wide.

"Nobody would have to know." He assured her. "My servants are discreet and your Madam would be paid a sizeable amount to keep her silence." When Sasha's face didn't change, he kept going. "We wouldn't have to live here, in Paris." Jean-Joël hoped to win her over. "My father had properties all over the country, and beyond." The gears in Sasha's brain clicked into place and began turning at an alarming speed. "Pick anywhere on the globe, and I will take you there."

"Anywhere?" She whispered, looking up at him from underneath her eyelashes. Jean-Joël's face lit up.

"Anywhere." He reassured her. This was her option three. And, the best one by far. Out of sight, out of mind, with the Mignard name to keep her safe in case the Order came knocking at their door.

"Alright, Jean." Sasha gave another small smile. "I will be yours." The boy's face lit up, like she'd just given him the world. But, before another word could be said, a knock came from the door.

"I'm sorry, my Sasha." Jean-Joël kissed her hands and then jumped out of the bed, grabbing his pants. "I told them not to disturb us unless they have a problem which is too important or too time-sensitive." He ran over to the door as soon as he was decent. Jean-Joël opened it a fraction, showing a maid there. "What's wrong, Marie?"

"Monsieur, I wouldn't disturb you if I didn't have to." The woman immediately curtsied and bowed. "There is a man downstairs who demands he speak to you."

"Send him away." Jean-Joël replied with authority Sasha didn't believe he had in him. "I'm busy. He may come tomorrow afternoon, when I'm done with my morning meetings." But, before Jean-Joël could close the door on her, the servant spoke up in a hushed tone Sasha had to strain to hear.

"But, he is from L'Eglise." Her heart dropped into her gut and she felt her fingers go cold. They had knocked on the door all too soon.

That's all folks!

Onto the reviews:

NightlyRowenTree: Finally, I know, I'm so slow, sorry xD

Senpai: Hahahahaha, sta ces, dosta je levo od Sotone… Doduse, mene bilo sta DGM baca nazad na Sotonu :') RIP!
Always twists my man, always twists hahhahaha Ja sam planirala da ovo sve bude u prva fazon 3 poglavlja, ali evo broj 17 fml… Sta ces :')
Jaoj Lavi me ubija… Nekako, najtezi mi je on za pisanje bas zbog svih tih delova licnosti. A Sumana sam planirala da ubacim. Mislim da je mnogo malo screen timea imao… I need more Hoshino dammit!
E, ali sto dalje idemo to gore idemo… Daj boze da ga brzo zavrsi da mozemo da pisemo fanfikove I radujemo se njima xD
Nadam se da si uzivala u novom poglavljuuuu (posle 100 godina)

karina001: Hey! Thank you for the review! I love reading your comments :) I'm sorry for the long wait :( I was being lazy as heck.
Sumannnn I kinda have a soft spot for characters who don't have enough screen time and he is definitely one of them.
Sasha will get her shining moment of clarity soon, promise :D
And, there will be much more elaboration on Santos and his annoying demeanor soon :D More to come!

I'm dying: Sorry for the long wait! I hope you enjoyed :D