Neko Ai [Black Butler fanfic]

Chapter 1

I would like to begin by saying that without Sebastian Michaelis, I would almost certainly be dead. Living on the streets is treacherous enough for a young lady, but I had to contend with the added difficulty of being a neko. The things I had to do to make money were horrid, I never had enough to eat, and as winter began to exercise its influence over England, I could never truly get warm.
Most people weren't willing to employ a neko. Shopkeepers feared that the sight of cat ears and a tail on an otherwise human girl would frighten away their business, so finding reputable work was impossible. Finding lodging was equally impossible, as few would be willing to house a neko.
The first day of the rest of my life began very similarly to every other day before it: I woke up curled up on the freezing ground in an alleyway between an apothecary and a tailor's shop. The first deviation from normalcy was the figure who roused me.
"Excuse me, miss, but this is no place for a lady to rest. Are you injured? I would be happy to see you home safely if need be." The man standing before me was rather well dressed. His pristine black suit was completely free of dirt and wrinkles. If I'm to be entirely honest, I was jealous of his clothes; the only dress I owned was filthy and torn in places.
As he knelt down to my level, he finally noticed the feline ears poking through my long, white blonde hair. Though I waited with bated breath for any exclamation of disgust, he instead murmured, "A neko? How...lovely..." as if he were in awe. His hand gave the impression of working independently of his body as he reached out to pet one of my ears. Years of instinct caused me to flinch back from his touch.
He rose back to his full height, only to bow deeply with his hand over his heart. "I meant no disrespect. My apologies, Lady..." He looked at you with expectant eyes, and it took you a moment to realize that he was awaiting your name.
"Ailsa... My name is Ailsa," I told him shyly, speaking slowly so as not to stumble over my words. I wasn't used to having to communicate very much.
"What a beautiful name." He offered me a small smile and stood up straight. After a moment of tense silence, he said, "You don't have a home, do you?" When I shook my head, he held out a gloved hand to me. "My name is Sebastian Michaelis. Please allow me to escort you to my place of employment. I guarantee that, at the very least, a meal can be provided for you."
"Y-your place of employment?" I questioned, tilting my head in confusion. Had I not been so frazzled, I wouldn't have thought twice about an offer of food.
Still extending a hand, he explained. "I am currently employed as a butler at Phantomhive Manor."