Disclaimer: I do not own Black Butler/Kuroshitsuji or any of the characters. They belong to Yana Toboso.

Soma and Agni made their way to the harbour of the Thames, Agni wheeling his stove, stacked up with saucepans and his ingredients. Several people were waiting already, recognising them as the pair who gave out free curry. They were dressed shabbily in ragged clothing. As soon as they saw the pair, they formed a neat line, waiting for what was likely going to be their only meal of the day.

With his usual quiet efficiency, Agni set up the stove. Once he had heated the pan, he took out a special sectored box, where he kept all the spices that correlated well with chicken, the flavour of the day. His fingers hovered over several before selecting four or five different spices. He smiled at his choices and set to work on his latest concoction.

While he was doing this, Soma watched him, a secretly admiring smile pulling at his lips. He liked watching his khansama cook. It was a special sight to see Agni's hands move at lightning speed as he performed each action, yet still with care and precision. His khansama had large, strong hands which Soma had seen him use for fighting multiple times, but they were controlled and gentle when he cooked.

Soma found himself taking glances up at Agni's face, which always took on an intensely serious look of concentration when making curry. Soma used to find it amusing – Agni, you look like you think the world will end if you don't properly mix the spices! – but now, he thought it strangely compelling and respectable. Stop staring now, Ciel warned me it is unacceptable to stare at a person for more than four seconds, he reminded himself.

"Um, excuse me, sir?"

Soma snapped out of his trance to see a small boy dressed as a chimney-sweep looking up at him. He smiled down at the little fellow.

"Yes?"

The boy licked his lips nervously.

"I was wondering if I might take a couple more of your servings back home with me today."

Some of the people in the queue muttered angrily at this.

Soma considered the boy for a moment. He was skin and bone, with sunken cheeks and hollow eyes. These eyes were gazing at him hopefully.

"It…it's just that…" the boy started to stammer. "My mother, she…she likes your friend's cooking, but lately we've had a…a change in circumstances which leaves us with not enough to eat and she gives me and my brothers everything…" His voice trailed off despairingly, as if he thought it pointless even asking.

Out of the corner of his eye, Soma could see Agni stirring the sauce slower, his mouth a thin line. Soma kneeled down beside the boy, who had fallen to his knees.

"That is awful luck. Take as much as you want today, there's plenty to go around. Your mother sounds a fine woman." The boy slowly turned his head back to the prince, who was smiling at him warmly. "Just remember, to have a person in your life who will do anything for you makes you a very fortunate person. Sometimes the gods give us different blessings, and people who have what you lack often lack what you have."

"Thank you sir," the boy said meekly. "But…I've always been told there is only one God". Some of the people waiting in line nodded their heads in agreement.

Before Soma could answer, Agni called out, "we're ready to serve," in a slightly affected voice. Soma whipped his head to see Agni quickly wiping the sleeve of his sherwani across his eyes before turning back to their recipients. Soma gave him an understanding nod. Agni was quick to cry (Soma couldn't pretend that he himself wasn't prone to bouts of hysterical sobbing when moved either), but had been warned by Ciel that in England, crying was a sign of disgraceful emotional weakness.

"England really is different from India," Soma muttered, as he helped Agni load curry onto plates of rice.

Agni handed him another plate.

"It is. Remember that everyone here has been brought up in a very different way to you and I. Many are not brought up to know of the customs of other countries." His grey eyes softly met Soma's. "It pains me to think that you are lacking in…certain blessings."

Soma tried to picture his parents reaching out for him. The image he formed in his mind was so unfamiliar and fake his heart went hollow. He pushed the image away. It was his birthday and thus a day of happiness. He threw back his head and laughed.

"Misfortunate? Me? I'm a prince, and it's my birthday, and tonight, I'm being thrown a party by some of our new English friends! What have I to complain about?"

Agni took the dish from Soma and handed it to the next person in line.

"My prince, you don't need to hide anything from me," he said, before anxiously adding, "Of course, if you don't want to talk about it, that is fine too, you don't have to tell me, but you're welcome to, if you like, but…um…"

Listening to Agni's fumbling of words made Soma smile.

"I'm dandy, really! I mean, in regards to 'certain blessings', I…" His mouth twisted in thought, before he grinned again. "Well, I have you, don't I? And every day you show that you would do anything for me!" After dropping more curry onto another serving, he added with a wink, "I think that counts as a 'certain blessing', don't you?"

He noticed Agni had gone a little red and laughed.

"You do get embarrassed easily! Honestly." A flash of black caught his eye and his face lit up with excitement. "Ciel! Hey, Cieeeel! Over here!" he shouted, dropping his ladle and tearing down the street, turning the heads of onlookers.

Earl Ciel Phantomhive had barely turned around to hear the yelling when Soma tackled him into an almighty hug.

"Get off!" the small thirteen-year-old huffed, struggling to free himself. It was only when Sebastian stepped within five feet of them that Soma let go, nervous of Ciel's intimidating butler. "I thought I had specified for you to be discreet!" Ciel hissed as he noticed the whole street looking their way.

"You always say that, but what could you possibly have to say which you couldn't just say out in the open, like normal people?" Soma asked, blinking innocently.

Sebastian covered his mouth with a gloved hand, though his smirk was still visible through the gaps between his fingers.

"Young Master, I believe Prince Soma is suggesting your behaviour is abnormal."

Ciel shot him a glare before turning back to Soma.

"We need your help with some…business."

"Ah, capital! We're here at your service as usual," said Soma with a delighted grin. "Hey, Agni!" he called out to his manservant, who was serving their 'customers' single-handedly. "Ciel wants our help with his-!" The rest of his sentence was lost when Sebastian clapped a hand over his mouth, efficiently cutting off any sound he could make.

"We'd appreciate your co-operation to be carried out quietly," Sebastian said in a soft yet dangerous voice. His lips leered closer to the prince's ear. "It would make matters easier for all parties."

He released Soma, making the prince stumble back over the pavement. Soma was prevented from falling by Agni catching him from behind. Soma looked over his shoulder as Agni lifted him back onto his feet, awed that he could have shot forward to steady him from the other end of the street. Ciel looked slightly unnerved too, which Soma found surprising as Sebastian performed impossible tasks at least five times a day.

Sebastian helped Agni hand out the rest of the curry and restack the stove. Soma sidled up to Ciel as they waited.

"For such a huge man, my khansama has cat-like tread," he said proudly.

Ciel adjusted his stylish top hat, the stunned expression wiped clean off his face.

"Indeed. No wonder my butler has taken such a liking to him."


Having left the stove hidden under a dust cover, the four of them walked down several alleyways, each leading them into a darker street of London. The area unnerved Soma, who walked close to Ciel. He disliked the rats that ran in plain-sight by their feet, the murky air, the intoxicated men slumped against the walls with empty bottles in their hands. It looked vaguely familiar; possibly they had crossed through this area when searching for Mina. Months ago, Soma thought to himself, trying to walk a little taller. How I've changed. Though…I like to think I could change even more.

He looked to the rest of his company, who appeared completely composed despite their surroundings. Soma straightened up, attempting to form his most princely posture.

"Where are we going, Ciel?" he asked in a falsely upbeat voice.

"To visit an associate," Ciel answered. "Or more accurately, use his venue for our discussion." He froze as they approached an old funeral parlour. The slanted 'Undertaker' sign, marked with a skull for decoration, sent shivers up Soma's spine, even more than the rest of the street. The sign on the door was swung at 'Closed'.

"It doesn't look like they're in, Ciel," Soma said, relieved.

"Yes, a 'Closed' sign would suggest that, thank you Prince," Sebastian remarked.

Ciel shook his head, continuing down the street.

"This isn't the place. I was just…curious, that is all." Sebastian gave a sly smile, but didn't comment, following his master further down the street.

After about five minutes more walking, they reached their destination; an extremely ordinary, if somewhat run-down, building. Sebastian neatly wrapped his knuckles on the door. The letter flap opened and two large, emotionless eyes peered out at them through the slit in the door.

"What," the feminine voice breathed, as emotionless as the eyes.

"My master would like a secluded place to discuss recent affairs," Sebastian answered her with a charming smile.

The door creaked open. A petite woman, with her hair styled into sharp buns that reminded Soma of cat ears, stood expressionless at the doorway. Without saying another word she slipped down a descending passage of stairs. A cheerful voice could be heard from down these stairs.

"Who is there, Ran-Mao?"

"Them," was her quiet answer.

Ciel and Sebastian started to walk down the stairs. Soma and Agni exchanged a confused look before following them.

The air was even smokier down here than it was in the streets, and it made Soma dizzy merely inhaling it. He heard Agni coughing and trying to clear his throat behind him. Ciel took off his hat and waved it around to clear the fog. Emerging from the haze was Lau, the manager of a trading company, who associated regularly with Ciel and had met Soma and Agni a few times as well. He gave them a friendly, carefree smile.

"Why hello, Lord Earl! How pleased I am that you've once again decided to come to my dreamer's cove!" He gave a fleeting laugh as he turned towards Soma and Agni. "What a relief it is to see more of your friends! I was beginning to fear for my life, you know! There is an unfortunate trend in your associates mysteriously disappearing from society, my Lord." He said this all with a calm, light-hearted dissonance. Soma felt even less at ease. He shrank back slightly, almost backing into Agni's chest. Agni placed a protective hand on his shoulder, though his eyes were trained on Lau.

"Lau, you know that so long as you don't become the Queen's adversary, I have no need to report you," Ciel said nonchalantly. "The Viscount of Druitt, Madam Red, the circus troupe, the Undertaker…they all made moves in the game which were just too obvious to ignore."

Lau's ears seemed to twitch like a fox's.

"What's this? Mister Undertaker is on your list as well, eh?"

"What? Yes!" Ciel responded irritably. "I thought you knew! Oh, never mind, forget it." He looked like he rather regretted mentioning anything. Lau's smile broadened. Ciel sighed. "Anyhow, we're leaving that aside for now. There's a more pressing matter to deal with at the moment. We just came to use your quarters."

"Ah! In that case, pretend I'm not even here!" Lau reclined back onto a futon, spreading his arms along its back. Now the steam had parted, the four could see three girls squeezed on each side of him, all with the cat-ear hairstyle of Ran-Mao.

"What goes on down here?" Soma wondered aloud.

"It's best not to ask," Ciel replied dismissively, taking a seat on an empty futon and motioning for Soma to do the same. Sebastian and Agni remained standing, close enough to hear. Ciel crossed his legs. "Whenever the Queen wants a matter of the criminal underworld dealt with, she calls for me to investigate. Sometimes I deal with issues so trivial they are a waste of time, but this current issue is not one of them."

Soma nodded, wide-eyed. A crease formed at Ciel's forehead.

"Over the last week there has been a great increase in the number of…arson offences, which have been committed on the homes of several nobles across the country."

It was when Agni gasped that Soma realised the significance.

"Ciel, do you think they might have come for you?" he asked, quivering slightly. "The people who…?"

"Let's not jump to conclusions," said Ciel, shaking his head. "These arsons have been carried out on a number of stately homes. But yes, as a noble, I am likely an upcoming target, unless we find evidence to suggest otherwise."

"Why?" Soma worriedly covered a cheek with his hand. "Why would they do that?"

"We can't know at this point, but it surprises me that you are surprised. Crime is an everyday occurrence after all. Anyway, even if you decide not to help, this is at least a warning that nobles such as you and I are not popular with certain conspirators at the moment." Ciel raised his voice. "That goes for you too, Lau."

"Thanks for the heads-up, my dear Lord Earl!" Lau called back from the other side of the basement happily, as if he had been told which horse he should bet on at the races instead of being warned that his quarters might get burned down.

Soma gripped Ciel by the shoulders. He felt Ciel flinch, but the boy didn't push him away.

"Ciel, there is no question about us helping you! Whatever we can – just tell us what to do and we'll do it!"

Ciel's lips quirked up in a small smile.

"You don't even know what I might ask you to do yet. But thank you. I have a specific task for you two. I would like you to make some inquiries with those from working class backgrounds and see if you can find any information. Just the local area for now. Try to appear idly curious about the arson incidents, but don't give anyone a reason to be suspicious of you, and by all means don't let anyone know you are connected to the name of Phantomhive."

"Got it! We can do this!"

Ciel raised his forefinger in a warning gesture.

"Remember, subtle. I know subtlety isn't either of your strong points, but if people draw connections between us, it would not only be inconvenient, it would be dangerous. That is why I wanted to discuss the issue here instead of at either of my residences until I have both places given a thorough security check."

Soma paled.

"You mean they could be watching either right now?"

"There is a chance we have to entertain, yes, though it's not likely unless we have phenomenally bad luck." Ciel rose from the futon. "Sebastian, I order you to scour the mansion for any imminent danger."

Sebastian placed a hand to his chest and bowed.

"Yes, my Lord."

He was gone in the blink of an eye. Ciel looked up at Agni.

"Agni…might you do the same for my townhouse?"

Soma looked up, expecting Agni to bow and go as Sebastian had. Instead, his eyes met Agni's, which were looking to him for confirmation. Soma was pleased by this. Yes, Agni is my khansama. Mine. He only takes orders from me. Ciel can order around everyone he likes, but not him. A smug voice in his head added cosily, when Sebastian said I had nothing to call my own, he was wrong. He felt ashamed for thinking this a second later. Agni is only mine because he has given himself to me. He has done this because he puts my needs far before his own. Perhaps I should start doing the same.

Soma stood up.

"I'll go with him."

"My prince, I implore you! Please stay with Lord Ciel, it could be dangerous!" Agni gasped, shaking his head.

"Well, all the more reason you should not be going there alone," Soma responded stubbornly.

"There is really no need for you to accompany him," said Ciel in a bored voice. "If there was trouble, you'd only get in the way. But there is a very small chance there would be anyone there, so perhaps I might get some peace and quiet for a while if you went with him."

He picked up his walking stick and led the way out of the basement. Lau followed them to the door, still smiling.

"Let's hope no trouble arises, Your Highness. But in case there is a sneaky little mouse with some matches lurking there, you can use theis." He handed Soma a needle, which didn't look like it could be used for sewing. "Consider it a present from me!" he added with a laugh.

"For my birthday?" Soma asked, delighted.

"Oh, today is your birthday, is it? How nice. Then yes, Happy Birthday! Come on, 'happy!'" he added in response to Soma's now slightly crestfallen expression. Ciel looked rather uncomfortable.

"You kept that surprisingly quiet, Prince."

Soma raised his eyebrows.

"I don't think I did? I did mention it was coming up. In fact, I think I've been counting down the days from two weeks ago!"

Ciel's cheeks went pink.

"Well, all the same, I hadn't anticipated it was today." He smiled feebly. "Happy Birthday, Prince." His eyes widened as he was yanked into an enthusiastic hug.

"Thank you, Ciel!" Soma sang. "I don't mind you forgetting! A good man is satisfied with a few thoughtful words, right?"

"Erm, indeed." Ciel frowned as he was released. "You're still set on being a 'good man', then."

"Possibly now even more so than ever! I shall see you at the party Lizzie is throwing later, I take it?"

Ciel stepped up into his carriage.

"I imagine so." He sat down, looking straight ahead as he was driven off home. Soma's smile faded as he watched the carriage roll off into the distance.

"Ciel must carry such heavy burdens," he sighed. "Fancy having so much work to do that you can't remember your best friend's birthday, because instead you have to worry about assassins."

Lau gave a crafty smile.

"That is very generously-spirited of you, Your Highness. Perhaps almost unnecessarily so."

Soma shook his head.

"I have a long way to go before I could be called generous. Ciel keeps pointing out that even the things I do that help others seem to be for my benefit." He smiled. "Hopefully I can change that too." He looked over his shoulder for his manservant. "Agni, are you coming?"

Agni was still watching the carriage when he snapped back into focus.

"Oh, yes, Prince Soma."

They walked side by side back through the sinister streets. Soma couldn't help but notice that Agni looked unhappy, as if he thought something was unjust. He playfully slapped Agni's arm.

"Hey, it's a splendid day today," he said, imitating Lau's easy-going voice. "A happy day, in fact. Come on, 'happy!'"

Agni gave a small smile.

"Of course." His voice took on a more serious tone. "My prince, if there is anything you want today that you don't have – in fact, any other day too – then let me know and I will try my hardest to get it for you." His lip trembled, his gaze becoming so passionate it surpassed Soma's level of amusement he usually felt when Agni said anything inappropriately, overly serious. Soma's eyes fixated on Agni's. "My prince, believe me, I would take the very stars from the sky if you wanted them!"

Seventeen-year-old Soma would have burst into hysterical laughter by now. But for some reason unknown to him, eighteen-year-old Soma was searching for a reply he could give to his servant. Agni, it isn't about wanting something you don't have. It's about wanting something you can't have. Those grey eyes were still locked on his. Soma was starting to feel dizzy as neither gaze relented. More and more, I feel like what I want isn't in my reach. What do I want, even? Happy friends who remember my birthday, parents who reach out for me and…something else I can't quite pin. It's something to do with Agni, but he gives me all he can anyway. So…what? This thought jolted his others. No, those things are not what I want. I want Ciel's troubles to go away. I want Mother and Father to forgive me for being a nuisance. I want…I want to feel like there is nothing I can't have.

He couldn't say all this out loud, of course.

Instead, he stretched contentedly.

"Something I want, hmm? Let's see…how about you give me a ride on your back and run down the streets at your fastest? That's always fun no matter how old you are."

This made Agni chuckle. His serious expression disappeared.

"Jo Aagyaa."