Author's note: And I'm back with part 2! Please ignore the fact that I said chapter 8 (if you noticed or care). I meant to say panel 8. As usual, I own nothing. Pandora Hearts belongs to Jun Mochizuki.

Part 2

"On the lips means a kiss of love..."

Oz's POV

He treasures that hat so much that he doesn't like to part from it. Does that really mean...?

I began to wander the hallways in the Rainsworth mansion as I contemplated the idea that Gil may have a crush on my sister. Though it is strange, I couldn't help but feel irritated at the thought of it. Actually, I couldn't help but feel slightly annoyed when I see him with anyone else but me. He even decided to leave me behind today while he discussed something with Break.

How much has changed during these ten years?

I do believe that I'm not bothered by the fact that my friends and family have become something different than my family, but something still didn't feel right to me. Somehow I feel like something has changed.

At this point, I started to grow frustrated towards where my thoughts were leading so I decided to do something to keep myself busy. But what should I...? I looked to my left to see an empty kitchen which gave me a brilliant idea.

I could bake something! It shouldn't be too difficult.

Later...

Maybe baking wasn't the best idea.

I decided on making a cake based on a recipe that was left on the counter near the stove which ended up as a disaster. I'm not clumsy, but I ended up making a mess when using the electric mixer and the batter that fell on the floor as a result caused me to slip and fall while knocking over the leftover batter. Hearing the noise, footsteps belonging to Gil rushed towards the sound. Embarrassed, I tried to hide my failure and ended up recalling my thoughts on my dedicated servant.

"Oz! Are you alright?" he wondered worriedly as he swiftly moved to help me up.

"I'm fine, Gil," I insisted while scraping the mixture off of my clothes.

"Why are you baking all of a sudden?"

"Can't I bake when the mood strikes me?"

Upon hearing my caustic reply, he began to notice my strange actions and showed even more concern than usual. Not saying anything, my eyes drifted to his head which did not have his beloved hat perched upon it.

"Where's your hat? You almost never go anywhere without it," I questioned with the tiniest bit of bitterness.

That's when he began to catch on.

Laughing lightly to himself, he held me close before giving me a reply.

"Would I really wear something someone else gave me when I plan on confessing to someone?"

Only seconds later, he moved his face close to mine and kissed me gently. It was so like him to do so.

"I love you, Oz. The hat is precious because it's from a dear friend. I also told you to stay behind while I talked to Break because I needed to ask him for advice."

Thinking back on it, I recalled that Break, though secretly, had started dating Reim. Damn memory gap...

Since words of love felt awkward as a result of my family life, I decided to go with kissing him instead like he did earlier.

Maybe I'm the one who has changed. Now that I know how Gil thinks of me I've grown attached to the idea of not sacrificing myself and staying alive for the both of us.