A/N: Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! Short chapter this week, I'm sorry :( I had to cut out the second half and move it elsewhere in order for the story to flow a bit better. But next chapter will be longer! Many thanks to socialbutrfly1379 for being my wonderful beta again! :3

Warnings: Language

Disclaimer: I don't own Kuroshitsuji

Ciel slumped low in the uncomfortable chair and drummed his fingers along the surface of the desk. Their professor still hadn't showed up and Ciel grumbled under his breath. If he had known that his professor wouldn't show up on time, he wouldn't have skipped breakfast. He firmly blamed Elizabeth for that and for making him sleep through his alarm. If she hadn't dragged him out to the concert earlier that week, Ciel wouldn't have any problems sleeping at night.

As it was, thoughts of Sebastian still haunted his mind and more than once, Ciel had to deal with the hardness between his legs. It frustrated him because Ciel knew he couldn't have Sebastian. The bartender only saw him as a girl and nothing more.

Still, it didn't stop him from dreaming or hoping. Was it so wrong to want Sebastian and remember the way Sebastian pressed his body against his as they rocked together on the dance floor? Several months had passed since Ciel last had a boyfriend or felt any pleasure in the form of another body. His hand provided relief but somewhere deep within him, Ciel aspired for something more.

And Sebastian had fallen neatly into Ciel's lap that night; suave, handsome, and funny. And Ciel could do nothing about it. It was a look but don't touch sort of situation, and Ciel's hands trembled to touch that forbidden fruit. He felt like a drug addict and only Sebastian could provide his next high. A high that would never come unless Ciel went back to the bar dressed as a girl again.

Ciel slammed the door on those thoughts before they could get any further. He refused to put on the feminine clothes again and if Elizabeth hadn't taken them from him, Ciel would've burned them the next morning. A part of him still wanted to sneak into her room and destroy the vile clothes, but Elizabeth would find another way to take revenge. Damn that woman and her cunningness.

For a minute or two, he debated going back to the bar without the disguise. He could watch Sebastian there and try to sort out his next play from there. If the opportune arose, Ciel could flirt with him and hope for the best.

Ciel shook his head and dismissed the thought. He knew Sebastian didn't swing that way. He never would've jumped to save him from Claude's wrath if he hadn't been a pretty girl at the time. Or maybe he would've acted the same way. Or perhaps he should just stop thinking about Sebastian and let him go. They wouldn't see each other again. At least not like last time. Ciel's female counterpart would never rise again to walk the earth.

He sighed heavily and looked up at the clock. Five more minutes before they could leave and Ciel could find solace back in his dorm. Maybe try to sleep before his next class. Or to start reading the new Sherlock Holmes book he bought at the student bookstore. Not that it had anything to do with the fact that Sebastian liked the series.

The door opened and a collective groan sounded throughout the classroom, Ciel joining in the noise of protest.

"Oh, surely all those disbelieving sounds aren't for me," a voice stated and Ciel's head whipped towards the door. "Professor Spears is currently out of town handling a family emergency. Turns out playing chicken with a deer on a backcountry road will lead to not just a broken windshield but a broken arm as well. But I'm sure the family will eat well for a few weeks."

Several people laughed and Ciel sunk lower in his chair, if possible. He watched as the new person made their way to the lecture's desk and set several books on the surface. More than anything, Ciel truly regretted getting out of bed this morning.

"That said, I'll be your temporary teacher for the next few weeks." Familiar crimson eyes looked out over the class and Ciel's face heated up as they landed on him for a brief moment before continuing on their way. "My name is Sebastian Michaelis, please call me Sebastian. Anything following the word mister makes me feel older than I already am. I'm currently a grad student working on my masters for literature and with any luck, will leave this place with my sanity intact."

More laughter sounded throughout the room and even Ciel felt his lips start to curl up in the start of a smile before it fell through at the last minute. His mind balked and refused to accept that Sebastian stood before him. He knew Sebastian studied literature at a nearby college but never thought that they went to the same college.

He cursed under his breath. Of course Sebastian would go to this college. What other major college was nearby? Ciel swore again, kicking himself for overlooking that the other night. That clearly wasn't his night.

"I'll take attendance and then we can get started," Sebastian said, pulling out the roster. "I apologize in advance if I butcher or maim any names."

Ciel shifted uneasily in his seat as Sebastian started to call out the names, dreading the moment Sebastian called his name. How many 'Ciel's' were there in the general area? Sebastian would easily figure it out and knowing Ciel's luck, would try to blackmail him. At least he had worn his eye patch today. With any luck, that would throw Sebastian off a little bit.

Perspiration started to bead on Ciel's upper lip as they drew closer to his name. Any second now and Ciel tried his best to remain perfectly still in his seat. Perhaps Sebastian would skip over him or wouldn't remember his name at all. After all, they met nearly a week ago and the blaring music might've affected Sebastian's hearing.

"Ciel Phantomhive."

"Here," he said hoarsely.

Sebastian called the next name without batting an eyelash at Ciel's name and all the tension in Ciel's shoulders left in a giant whoosh of breath. He didn't remember him. A part of Ciel felt relieved but the other part felt upset. It hurt to know that Sebastian had forgotten him so quickly and had probably moved onto the next pretty person.

The conflicting emotions left him with a headache and Ciel firmly tried to convince himself that this was for the better. He didn't need Sebastian to remember him. That would only lead to trouble and Ciel could do without that, thank you very much. But Ciel would certainly make sure to thank Elizabeth for this. If she hadn't dragged him off to that damnable concert in the first place, none of this would've happened.

Still, it meant that Ciel had escaped relatively unharmed in the grand scheme of things and Sebastian was only a temporary teacher. In a few weeks or so, he would leave and Ciel would never have to see him again. The thought made him breathe a sigh of relief, if only for moment. He still longed to spend more time with Sebastian, but as a male this time.

Ciel ground his teeth together. Make up your mind, Ciel. Either you want him to stick around or you don't. Pick one.

"I believe this class had just started reading The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka," Sebastian said, breaking Ciel from his circling thoughts. "Fortunately, for you, we won't continue reading that while I'm here. Professor Spears seems to believe that I'm inadequate when it comes to teaching anything in regards to his lessons."

A few people cheered and clapped. Sebastian chuckled at their actions and Ciel could see humor dancing in his eyes. He had a sneaky feeling that Sebastian knew something they didn't. The class quieted down when Sebastian held up his hand, asking for silence so he could continue.

"However, you will continue reading The Metamorphosis when he returns so I suggest that you read ahead and keep up with your required readings. There may or may not be a pop quiz over them upon his return." Sebastian winked and brought a finger up to cover his lips. "But you didn't hear that from me."

Ciel smirked and quickly jotted the reminder down along with his classmates. No one wanted to face the wrath of their professor. The man was cruel and no doubt, he would be in a foul mood after returning.

His eye cautiously glanced up and gazed at Sebastian, silently taking in his features. Crimson eyes looked tame now without the pulsing strobe lights around them, but Ciel could still see mischief lurking in the depths of Sebastian's irises. Ciel focused his attention on Sebastian's mouth as he answered a question, watching as sinful lips parted and an equally sinful tongue darted out to wet them. Ciel mimicked the action and continued his staring.

His gaze swept over Sebastian's body, remembering how it felt against his own; hard but limber as they danced together on the dance floor. He felt that Sebastian looked better in his bartender's uniform compared to his current attire, but perhaps that was because his uniform showed more skin. Slowly, his line of vision drifted further south before Ciel forcefully jerked his eye back up to Sebastian's face.

He froze when he met Sebastian's gaze and a small smirk darted across pink lips before Sebastian turned once more to face the class. It left Ciel's heart pounding against his chest and he forced his attention on a neutral spot behind Sebastian.

"In lieu of your current reading assignment, you're going to pick your poison," Sebastian said and Ciel perked up in his seat, along with everyone else in the class. "You can either choose to do the assignment that Professor Spears left or you can pick the assignment that I planned."

A hand to Ciel's right shot into the air. "Is there a third option where we just skip this class and the projects altogether?"

Sebastian chuckled. "The door is right there if you wish to leave. I won't hold it against you." He shrugged. "But who is to say that you'll miss something in those classes that could later help you on exams."

The hand lowered and Ciel snickered under his breath before raising his hand. He knew he tempted fate and played with fire, but he could judge Sebastian's reaction this way and decide whether Sebastian truly recognized him or not. "Is this option an individual choice or one we decide as a class?"

"There's a question that I like," Sebastian stated and circled around the desk. He leaned against the edge of the desk, giving Ciel an unabashed view of the rest of his body and Ciel swore he did it on purpose. "It's an individual choice. For added details, should you choose Professor Spears assignment, you're not required to come to class. Should you choose mine, you'll still have to come to class."

Chairs creaked and groaned as people shifted around in their chairs, weighing the options. Ciel frowned and turned the added information over in his head. Sebastian had thrown them a wild card and the ball sat in their court. With an early morning class, Professor Spear's assignment provided the chance to sleep in an extra hour and a half. Yet, Ciel knew their professor. It wouldn't be an easy assignment.

On the other hand, Ciel didn't know anything about Sebastian's teaching methods and his assignment could prove just as difficult. Still, the gleam in Sebastian's eyes seemed far too impish and Ciel felt more inclined to go with Sebastian's project. Even though their time together wasn't long, it still gave Ciel insight to Sebastian's personality and Ciel wanted to believe that Sebastian had picked something interesting.

In the end, Sebastian was the lesser of two evils.

"Have you all settled on which poison you want to take?" Sebastian asked. Soft mumbles floated throughout the room and Sebastian reached behind him to pick up a stack of papers. "For those who wish to partake in Professor Spear's project, please come forward and receive your assignment. After that, you're free to leave."

He said it cheerfully and with a warm smile on his face, making Ciel doubt that Professor Spear's project was sunshine and rainbows. Five people slowly stood up around him and shuffled forward with their bags. Ciel hoped he chose the right idea to stay behind.

Sebastian passed out the papers to the students and smiled at them. "Professor Spears will return in two weeks, on the nineteenth. Make sure you're back in class on that day with your papers done." He gave a small wave. "Have a nice day."

Ciel watched them leave and waited until the door shut before turning his attention back to Sebastian. A question buzzed in his mind and he tried his best to stay quiet. After Sebastian's reaction to his question, Ciel figured it better to remain on the safe side and not draw any more attention to himself. He rather preferred that Sebastian didn't recognize him as the girl from the club.

"What do they have to do?" someone finally asked.

"They have to write an essay," Sebastian answered and picked up a different stack of papers. "Thirty pages over 'Pride and Prejudice,' discussing the points Professor Spears assigned each person. No two papers are the same."

Ciel winced. He didn't pity his classmates who chose that assignment, especially as he hadn't read the book yet. In his defense, it was on his to read list. He only hoped their project wasn't worse.

"And our project?" another person asked.

Sebastian smiled and held up the papers. "We're going to have a debate," he said. "You'll pick a book from this list, one you've already read, and you're going to defend it. For now, all you need to do is go through this list and find your favorite story. Next time, I'll break the class into two groups where you'll try to pitch why your book choice is the right book to defend against the opposing group."

"The following week, the two teams will debate and defend their book choice. You'll cite literary devices that failed and ones that succeeded, as well as character development, and anything else that you felt added to the book," Sebastian continued, passing out the list. "On the final day, you'll fill out a critique about the people in your group to ensure that everyone is graded according to the weight they pulled."

Ciel accepted the papers, took his copy, and passed it to the person behind him. He scanned the list and started to mark all the books he knew. He read most them in the previous semester with Professor Spears and others he read before during high school. At least this way, he wouldn't have to read anything new in only a few short days.

Sebastian settled against the edge of the desk again. "Remember to pick a book that you know well enough and you feel comfortable enough to defend," he said and scanned the list for himself. "If you have any questions about the assignment, now is the time to ask."

A shy hand rose from the person in front of Ciel and he stiffened as Sebastian turned to look at the girl in front of him. "How many of these books have you read?"

"Many. My library is quite vast, I assure you," Sebastian said and Ciel swallowed as Sebastian's eyes seemed to slip past the girl and focused on him.

He tried to remain calm, wanting to believe that Sebastian still looked at the girl but his heart started to race faster as a small smirk curled against Sebastian's lips. Ciel quickly averted his gaze to avoid looking at Sebastian in hopes that Sebastian would lose interest. The conversation between Sebastian and the girl sounded too similar to the one they had the other night and Ciel's mind screamed that Sebastian knew.

More than anything, Ciel wanted to dart from the room and hide back in his dorm. Sebastian kept throwing him off guard, acting innocent one minute and then like a devil the next. Ciel didn't know how to behave and it seemed that the moment he let his guard down, Sebastian came back with a hint that suggested he knew.

Ciel's hands grew sweaty and he subtly wiped them on his pants. What if Sebastian did know? Ciel already had enough experience with blackmail to last a lifetime and he didn't want to deal with it from Sebastian.

He slumped against the back of his chair as Sebastian turned away to answer another question. This wasn't what Ciel had expected when he woke up this morning. To have his wet dream suddenly appear before him, solid and in the flesh compared to the intangible memory in Ciel's mind, suddenly felt like a nightmare. One he couldn't wake from.

Looking at facts though, anyone would say that Sebastian liked women. He made out with one, even if she was actually a he. But that still had to mean something. The thought should've eased Ciel's mind but it only made it churn and race even more. The lingering thought of, he still might know hung heavily in his mind.

If Sebastian was gay, and right now Ciel weighed his odds at fifty-fifty on that, then he could've known the whole time but chose not to say anything. Ciel distinctively remembered Sebastian's roaming hands against his body, how they didn't venture up to his stuffed bra but rather stayed on his hips. And how they tried to dip below his pants on one occasion.

Wouldn't most straight men want to go for that? Elizabeth had padded him fairly well that night, using one of her bras much to Ciel's mortification. He took a long, hot shower that night and scrubbed his chest raw. If he remembered correctly, Elizabeth wasn't small in the chest department and Ciel shuddered at the thought. He had nothing against Elizabeth, but that part of the anatomy did nothing for him. He liked his chests flat and preferably with a little muscle.

Still, a feeling nagged at Ciel's instincts that Sebastian knew and Ciel should do everything he could to keep Sebastian from discovering the truth. His head jerked up as Sebastian called his name and Ciel blinked rapidly, trying to focus his attention. His gaze first settled on Sebastian's face before slipping to the side so he didn't look directly into crimson eyes.

"Yes?" he asked nervously.

"Did you have a question?" Sebastian said.

Ciel shook his head and his eyebrows furrowed. "Not really."

Sebastian smiled and Ciel shivered at the familiar look. "My apologies. You were scowling at the desk as though it had wronged you somehow," he said. "I simply wondered if you had something on your mind."

"I'm fine, thanks," Ciel squeaked out, his fingers clenched tightly together in his lap. Sebastian gave him one last smile before turning to answer another question, leaving Ciel to panic.

Sebastian had said almost the exact same words the night they met. Ciel felt a chill race down his spine and his eye darted briefly to the door, wondering if he could just make a break for it and avoid class until Professor Spears came back. He could always opt to take the original assignment and avoid Sebastian that way.

Or, a traitorous voice whispered, you could stay and see what happens. If Sebastian did know, maybe he wanted Ciel just as much as Ciel wanted him.

Ciel nearly burst out in laughter at the thought. The voice quieted and eventually vanished from his mind, leaving Ciel feeling alone and empty. He doesn't want me. Ciel thought forlornly. He doesn't even know me as anything other than a name on a roster. And I'm going to make sure it stays that way.

He nodded to himself, his decision firmly set in mind and Ciel refused to sway from it. Because venturing from the path he set before himself would only end in pain when Ciel reached the end of the road. Whether through disappointment or humiliation, and Ciel didn't want to face either.

Sebastian would never find out that the female he met that night at the bar was Ciel. He swore it.