Author's Note: I don't really like how this turned out, so I might go back to fix it. (Not sure what else I can fix though) And oh gosh, thank you guys so much for the 40 reviews, just wao. Thanks for the 68 favorites and the 75 favorites! I feel like crying in all honest THANK YOU SO MUCH! And wao, this is so late. Im really sorry!

Once more, feel free to point out any mistakes. Don't know much about the British culture, so there might be mistakes.

Chapter 4: After Night
The Girl, Returns and Welcomes

"He finally returned to the mansion, but he wasn't able to laugh anymore. I love Ciel. I love Ciel's smile. Why is it as though we always seem to end up going in circles? How can I bring back his smile?" -Elizabeth

Ciel was back, and despite all the clear changes that I had spotted with my peripheral vision, all I could concentrate on was the fact that Ciel was finally back.

Seeing him again brought me a whole flood of mixed emotions that I had previously buried under. I was happy that he was back, relieved that he was more or less safe, and absolutely terrified of his reaction. Because I had promised to him that I would protect him, yet where was I when he needed me? My Oath and words meant absolutely nothing, they were now just empty promises. But...

Ciel will always be Ciel no matter what, even if he is angry at the world- even if he sinks into the darkness. It doesn't change my Oath to him, because really, what else am I here for? Despite his changes, his foundation, the base of himself remains the same.

All the scripts and words I had planned to say for his return all seemed to slip away from me, leaving me at a blank. What do I do? What could I say? Do I comfort him? Do I pretend that he never disappeared? I didn't know what to say, I was never really good at words and so we simply stared at each other. In such a situation where I didn't know what to do, I could only think that I had failed him. I wanted to apologize, but what I wanted the most was to make sure that he was actually there.

I surprised even myself when I impulsively rushed forward to give him a hug. My hands wrapped around him and I almost flinched at how thin he felt. He had been scrawny before, and now he was even more so. A thin waist, narrow shoulders and sticks for arms.

"...Ciel." My voice was hoarse, and I didn't even realize that I had started crying until something wet fell on the sleeves of my dress. "I-I'm sorry Ciel, I failed, I didn't," I gasped, trying to stop the on going tears. "I didn't protect you and I," my voice wobbled and the blurring of my eye sight got so worse that I could barely make out anything. And damn it, I hated crying. Crying was just a waste of body fluids, crying made me feel like a child, it made me feel vulnerable, exposed and so, so tired. I'm pretty sure that in these last few months alone, I cried more then my first ten years combined.

"I was too late." Too late even though I promised, too late to save them and you, pleasedon'thateme I don't know what to do.

"Elizabeth." His voice caught my attention, and I could feel his hands ghosting on my back before he settled them on the sides of my dress, his hand clutching the fabric. I blink away the drying tears, and a sudden realization hit me. My heart jerked a bit as I realized that he didn't want to touch me. The loose hold on my dress was proof of that. I suppose a small part of me still couldn't help but remember the old Ciel, the one who used to hug me tightly with a bright smile. Hell, he had even initiated half of those hugs himself.

But of course he wouldn't want skin contact! He had suffered through so much, after all that had happened to him, I'm actually surprised that he didn't slap me away. I hurriedly loosened my tight hold on him so that I was only lightly touching me.

His tensed body seemed to relax at that and I felt relieved that I wasn't making him uncomfortable.

"It was never your responsibility to begin with."

I twitched, "But I-!" But I know the future, I wanted to say. I saw it coming yet I did nothing! I wanted to add. But all that came out from my mouth was a bitter silence. I swallowed, feeling the tightness in my chest grow. "I won't fail you again, Ciel." I don't know if I was just saying it to reassure Ciel, or if it was...to reassure myself.

He paused for a moment before answering. "You have never failed me in the first place, Elizabeth."

It's a curious thing, Ciel always did have a way to make me want to cry. In this, he has never changed.

I don't think I have ever been more grateful.

.

"Ciel."

"Mhn?"

"...Do you want me to stay with you?"

The hands on my dress tightened for a moment before they relaxed, letting go completely as his hands fell to his sides once more. "...That would not be proper."

I snorted quietly. "I thought my vulgarity rubbed off on you?"

"I can never be as vulgar as you." Was his snarky reply.

Again, ouch Ciel.

I can't help but smile anyways. I started to bury my face into his neck but he flinched away, and I aborted the movement quickly mid-way. I grimaced at my mistake.

"Let me stay with you?"

Silence.

"I want to stay with you. It's for me as much as for you, Ciel. I'm quite sure mother wouldn't mind if I stayed with you for a couple days. I...want to make sure that you're really here, that you won't disappear again." Not a lie, but not the complete truth either. I wanted to see if he was okay, to comfort him if he needed me. To be some sort of constant for him. I didn't want him to face through all the sudden changes by himself, Ciel should at least have something that remained the same. I knew that he would reject my offer if he thought I was pitying him, so I made sure to emphasize that I was the one who needed him. He hated pity, and I refused to look down at him like that.

The hands that wrapped around my waist surprised me, but the head on my shoulder surprised me even more. He squeezed me tightly, breathing in deeply before loosening his hold.

"If you must."

Beneath those three words, all I could hear was a thankful 'okay'.

I cried again.

Welcome back, Ciel.

The hug was actually pretty long, and only halfway through did I notice the black clad butler on the side. The demon blinked before giving me a wink.

I somehow managed to not choke because of that, surprisingly.

I had forgotten about Sebastian.

.

Fuck my life.

-March 2, 1886: Entry One Thousand and Ninety Three of the Chronicles in my Head: Current Status: Too busy to write-

Dear, Journal

Ciel is finally back! And I have to admit, crying and slobbering over his shoulder was not my best idea. And well, that's about it really. Oh! And because I don't think I've said it before: Cannon can go fuck itself.

I left afterwards, to go home to pack some necessities for my stay while Ciel went to go get Aunt An. Surprisingly, Mother accepted with little protest, she had simply looked at me with understanding before nodding. Did I ever mentioned how much I love her? Despite being stern and proper, she readily agreed when it really mattered.

So now I was in front of the Phantomhive Manor, with all it's glory restored. Despite already knowing that Sebastian was a demon, his ability to do the most impossible things still shocked me. Reading and seeing are two completely different things after all. To fix a totally charred and burnt mansion in the matter of minutes. When Ciel had disappeared, I visited the Phantomhive Manor once every week, so I can still remember clearly how bad the mansion looked before. The smell of smoke and the smears of ashes, burnt black walls and an empty lot. The air is tight and thick and choking-

I quickly cut off that thought, fingering my neck nervously.

"Thank you." The footmen nodded with a smile. "Of course, milady. Your bags?"

I shook my head. "No, it is fine. I can carry it by myself. Have a safe trip back."

The older man blinked, before protesting, "No, milady- I must-"

"No, it's perfectly fine. I insist, I'm right in front of the door anyway. I am not that weak."

He scratched his head before reluctantly agreeing and then headed back to the carriage to prepare to leave.

I took in a deep breath, closing my eyes for a moment before opening them again.

My hand tightened around the handle of my bags before I rose my fist hesitantly to knock at the door.

What greeted me was a tall figure with pale skin and dark red eyes. A small smile curved on his lips as he gracefully placed a hand on his chest and bowed with flourish.

"Welcome, Milady."

Sebastian, the famous (or infamous) demon butler was, well- awfully good-looking as depicted in the manga and anime. However, he seemed almost otherworldly beautiful when I saw him in real life. There was just an air to him that screamed that he was too...perfect. It was just not natural, he reminded me of many different myths, of creatures that took on attractive forms to lure in their prey. Like a Vampire or Siren or something. He was definitely alluring and bewitching, though not exactly easy on the eyes as he sparkled brightly. It was irritating on the eyes.

He began to escort me to the dining room, where Ciel was currently dining in, and tried to entertain me with polite conversation. We soon reached the dining room, and it made me feel nostalgic as it looked exactly the same as before. Before it was burnt and black and cold. The long table was filled with all kinds of dishes, all fancy and sparkling. Spiny Lobster Saute, Roast Turkey, Sticky Toffee Pudding and Fairy Cakes. It seemed to me that Ciel had not started eating yet as everything looked untouched.

"-Lady Elizabeth, young master has talked about you quite a lot."

Pfft. As if. I highly doubted that Ciel would tell anyone -demon or not- anything about anyone. Maybe in the past, but now? Yeah, that wasn't going to happen anytime soon.

I smiled brightly in response anyways. "I know Ciel has not, so there is no need to lie for him."

He looked completely blindsided for a moment before his shiny smile was back in place. "Oh, but he has milady. He has indeed told me that he has missed you very much." The look on Ciel's face as I took a seat told me otherwise.

"Mhn, if you insist. So, your name is Sebastian? Ciel had a dog with that exact name! It was, in fact, perfect for him. I think that name also suits you quite perfectly." Ciel's dog. Cue beams of sunshine and flowers. I was pretty sure that if I hadn't sounded so ditzy and innocent, I would have been absolutely obliterated by the demon butler. The sound of Ciel's poorly concealed snort of amusement only made my grin brighter.

"Why thank you milady. This butler does not deserve such...lovely compliments." He finished with a strained smile.

I know I shouldn't antagonize him (probably gonna die a slow and painful death if this goes on)- but it was just way too funny! This wasn't the butler who didn't allow anything to faze him yet. This was the impatient demon who had just became a butler.

I tried not to laugh. "Of course, Sebastian." I then turned to Ciel with a small smile. "Did you wait for me, Ciel? You shouldn't have. You must be quite hungry after all."

Ciel merely rose his head in a dignified manner, "I assure you, I am not so impatient that I could not wait."

"But you-" were always impatient. I stop before I could finish the sentence, catching myself in time. It would not be good to compare the past and present versions of Ciel afterall. I highly doubt he would take it well.

The boy rose a brow. "But what, Elizabeth?"

I shook my head. "It's nothing, shall we start eating? The food looks delectable, Sebastian."

"It is only fitting for a butler of an Earl, milady. I shall serve you anything you like."

Ciel takes a small bite before promptly almost spitting it out again. Okay, I have to admit I was being a bit too high-strung- I panicked and practically shoved a glass of water in his face, even spilling some of it when it sloshed around. "Ciel! Are you alright?"

Sebastian merely watched as Ciel chugged down the water, and I was very tempted to just kick him in the shins for being an uncaring ass.

"It's oily, spicy...and salty."

I blink, quickly stabbing a piece of the roast turkey and shoving it into my mouth. It was...a bit too flavorful, but not too bad. So then, why-?

Oh! Damn it! People who have not been eating properly, who have been starved- often cannot stomach large quantities of rich foods. How could I have forgotten? But Ciel had only taken one bite, his digestive system must have been really terrible for his body to reject the food after a single bite. It was foolish of me to believe that Ciel had actually been fed properly. I grit my teeth angrily, what use is learning medicine if I can't remember to apply my knowledge?

I stood up, the legs of my chair screeching as it slid back.

"Elizabeth?!"

I smile, beginning to head out. "Don't worry, Ciel! I just need to borrow the kitchen for a moment!"

"Wait-"

I ran out of the room before he could finish.

I blink at the rows of food lined up in the refrigerator curiously. Oddly enough, it was stocked up to the brim. I pick up an apple and twirled it around. Was this demon-made? Or was this real, store brought food? My brows scrunch up as I looked it over. Ugh. I couldn't tell, it looks real enough, but the Roast Turkey I had earlier also tasted real enough. Demon powers are a curious thing...

I shake my head, I didn't have time to analyze Sebastian's powers. I scrounge through the fridge for the ingredients I needed. I was no cook, in fact- I could only actually make one dish, and even that one dish was sketchy. By sketchy, I mean that it's a dish that literally anyone can create. I used to make it for my little sister who often had stomach aches. Let's see...ginger, maybe a bit of mint. And the rice! Can't forget the main part.

I then dug through the cabinets in search of a pot, which I soon found. I washed the rice and then rinsed it, and then washed the rice once more. Next, I have to keep the rice submerged under the water for about thirty minutes. And now, to cut the ginger-

"Milady?"

I jumped, almost knocking over a cup of water as I flailed. "Wha! Oh, it's just you Sebastian, you scared the cr- I mean, you surprised me." I rubbed my chest, trying to calm down my beating heart. That was freakin scary! He hadn't even made a sound.

He rose a thin brow and gave me an indulgent smile. I resisted the urge to punch him in the face. "What are you doing, milady?"

I turned back to the uncut ginger. "I'm trying to make some porridge for Ciel. It should be easier for him to digest."

"You cook?"

"Mnm, I dabble." If dabble means that I can literally count the number of dishes I can make with one hand, then yes- I dabble. I dabble like a pro in fact.

"That is very kind of you milady."

I smile, "It is also very kind of you to get Ciel some warm milk, Sebastian."

"Pardon?"

"Don't think that I didn't see that cart and that jug of milk behind you."

"Ah," I am pretty sure that he was giving me one of his sparkly smiles once more. "But I suppose the young master does not require the warm milk if milady is making porridge for him."

"Of course not. Give it to him anyway. Ciel enjoys warm milk." A flash of the past crept on me once more, the both of us snuggled under the blankets as we drank warm milk. "Make sure to bring honey to him as well."

When it looked like he was about to possibly protest, I cut in- "Besides, the porridge will have to take a while to finish."

"Very well, Lady Elizabeth."

"Oh! And Sebastian."

"Yes milady?"

I turned around and beamed at him. "Thank you for taking care of Ciel!" He blinked, seemingly a bit stunned before smiling once more. "Of course, it is only expected of me, he is my master after all."

I turned back to dump the water out of the rice. "Still, thank you." I paused for a moment to turn on the fire. "Please stick with him till the very end." Because even if Sebastian was a demon who was only listening to Ciel because of a contract, he does not lie (to Ciel at least). He will keep Ciel safe until Ciel's goal is reached, it is just that simple. They may tease and mess with each other a lot, but in the end- Sebastian will obey Ciel. He might be a problem when Ciel gets his revenge, but for now- I can count on him to protect Ciel. He can't let his food escape from him after all.

"Certainly."

And that's all I needed.

I knocked on the door twice, pushing the cart in when I was sure that Ciel had been notified.

Ciel seemed to have finished the warm milk seeing how Sebastian was about to leave.

"Ciel!"

"Elizabeth?!" Ciel had clearly thrown the duvet over his lap, probably because he was only wearing a large shirt. I almost snickered at his embarrassment.

I grin at him. "I made you some porridge, it should be easier to eat." He looked rather doubtfully at the pot on the cart, and I twitched, feeling rather offended.

"Then, I shall take my leave now."

Ciel blinks, turning to the butler. "Sebastian."

The demon paused. "The warm milk...was good." Ciel admitted, looking slightly embarrassed. I tried not to 'aww' at that, feeling my lips involuntarily twitch upwards at the cute scene. I began to take the lid off the pot and added a sparse of mint on top as I continued to listen.

"I am glad to hear it."

"And one more thing..." Ciel paused for a moment, clenching the duvet tightly. "I won't forgive you if tomorrow's breakfast tastes as foul as what I had earlier this evening. Possible porridge or not, I don't care to live on warm milk for every meal like a puppy."

...I'm pretty sure that I literally heard Sebastian's mask and patience shatter with a large 'CRACK'.

I attempted to smother the giggles, but I'm pretty sure I failed seeing how both Ciel and Sebastian gave me a strange look.

"S-sorry! I just, wow. You guys are hilarious. Don't mind me, Sebastian. Continue on." The raven gave use a stiff nod and smile before leaving.

.

"So, time to eat porridge!" I cheered, smiling brightly while Ciel let out a small groan. "I promise it will taste fine Ciel, and if you cannot finish it all- it is fine. Just eat what you can, okay?" He gave me a reluctant nod as he sat up properly.

I proceeded to scoop some of the porridge up, blowing on it lightly. "Here, say 'ahh'."

Ciel flushes and then scowls, swiping the spoon off me. "I don't need to be fed like a child, Elizabeth." I blink, clamping a hand over my mouth in embarrassment. Shit! That had been me on auto pilot, of course Ciel wouldn't want to be fed! "Sorry, Ciel. I didn't mean to." I push the cart and pot closer to him. "Oh, and here are some sliced bananas, you should be able to eat that as well. Make sure to drink some water if you need it!"

"Hmn..." He blows on the spoon on more time before hesitantly putting it into his mouth.

I lean in closer consciously. "How is it? Edible?"

He blinks ('he only has one visible eye now, the contract' my mind whispers), looking quite speechless. "It's...good." He sounded quite incredulous, which I took offense in. He didn't need to sound so surprised!

I still feel happy though, this way- he can at least eat something. "That's good. Eat, but don't eat too much all right? I don't want it to upset your tummy."

Ciel frowns and looks up at me, mouth opening but no words coming out.

"Ciel?"

He purses his lips. "No, it's nothing."

"Alright then, I suppose I shall take a bath now. Then I'll come back to get the plates alright?"

Ciel huffs. "Do not worry about it. Sebastian will get it. Go rest."

I feel a bit bad for Sebastian, but I was honestly too tired to care. The whole day was a complete emotional roller coaster for me. "Alright."

.

After taking a quick bath and changing my clothes, I stopped by the kitchen to eat an apple and some bread (Sebastian had moved my bags to the room next to Ciel's) before grabbing a pillow from my room and marching over to Ciel's.

"You are NOT sleeping with me." His awkward wording almost made me cackle.

"But Ciel!" I pout, clutching my super duper fluffy pillow to my chest. I was currently in my nightdress, a short, thin- white kinda frilly dress with shorts underneath. "How can I make sure you don't disappear if I'm not right next to you?" How can I make sure you don't have nightmares? How can I protect you if I am in the next room? "Besides, did you not agree to this?"

Ciel flushed as he glowered at me. "As every normal person would, I thought you were simply asking that you wanted to stay in the manor!"

I roll my eyes, "Did you really expect me to leave you alone at night? I am hurt Ciel, to think that you do not know me enough to know my thinking process."

He grimaced. "This is scandalous, Elizabeth!"

"Come on, kiddo, (he scowls at me here) it's not as though we are doing anything inappropriate. All we're doing is sleeping." And maybe some snuggling. And cuddling. "Besides, we often slept and took naps together when we were younger. Nothing has changed, Ciel."

He froze at that, his single blue eye sharpening and darkening. "That is a lie, Elizabeth, and you know it."

I blanch, squeezing the pillow to my chest even tighter as I lowered my head. I swallow thickly. "I apologize, Ciel. That was my mistake. Things have changed, but...I'm always here you know?" I look up, gaining more confidence. "If you ever need any help, depend on me. Am I not still your best friend?" The words that I had spoken a year ago flowed out once more, albeit a bit differently.

His single blue eye seemed almost piercing as he scanned my face for lies. "Of course," he finally answered, eyes softening, and for some reason, he reminded me of Uncle Vincent at the moment. "But I do not need your protection."

I brighten as he calmed down. "Hmn, but I'll still give it to you whether you need it or not."

Ciel sighs, "Very well, since you are too stubborn to be convinced."

"So?"

He lifts a brow. "So?"

"May I?"

He blinks, brows twisting before looking resigned. "Alright, but hurry up." He lifted the duvet. "If you are noisy, I will kick you out."

"Yes sir!" I beam at him, hurriedly running to the bed and scooting into the covers with a content sigh. He shut off the lights.

I wriggle on the bed, shifting closer to Ciel. It oddly reminded me of when Ciel was only a week old, when I had made my Oath to him. I threw an arm around his thin figure.

"What are you doing?"

"Nothing much."

"Please get your arm off of me."

I simply grin, scooting closer until our foreheads met. "Hey, Ciel."

I felt his brows scrunch up as he tried to move away. "I'll stay with you till the end, okay? So please don't push me out."

"You are my betrothed."

"Yea?"

"So even if I wanted to push you out, I doubt I can. Besides, you are simply too stubborn."

"Mhn." I wanted him to confide in me, to not shy away from me. To not block me out. I did not want to stand behind him, I did not want to stand in front of him. I simply wanted to stand next to him. So really...it's okay if he used me, though I highly doubted that he would. Ciel, despite his harsh views on the world- was too soft after all.

.

"Oh! I forgot. Hey, Ciel?"

A sigh. "What is it, Elizabeth?"

"I missed you."

A pause as he (probably) flushed.

"...I missed you too."

Filling the Kitchen Extra

"Don't worry, Ciel! I just need to borrow the kitchen for a moment!"

"Wait, Elizabeth!"

...And then she was gone.

"Sebastian?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Is there any food in the kitchen?"

A pause. "No, young master, I'm afraid not."

"...I see." Ciel pursed his lips, pinching his nose in annoyance. "Then I command you as your master, to disregard what I said earlier for this one time. Go do your demon magic and fill the kitchen with food and the necessary utensils."

The raven twitched at how his powers were being referred to as 'magic' but obliged nonetheless. "Yes, milord."

And then he was gone.

.

He arrived at the kitchen rapidly with spare time, filling the refrigerator with many fresh ingredients, ranging from meat to fruits to vegetables. He then filled the cabinets with plates, pots and pans. Knives, forks and spoons were placed in a separate one. He then flashed back to Ciel.

"Done?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good."

Ciel's POV Extra (I didn't know where to fit this, so see it as you want)

"You've changed your hairstyle." It wasn't a question, it was simply a flat statement with little to no curiosity.

She looked at him curiously, her bright hair shifting as she tilted her head.

She always did that, and Ciel had absolutely no idea why. It was such a ridiculous thing for a lady to do (but then again, she was never ladylike when she was with him) and it often reminded him of a dog. And wasn't that a funny thought? Elizabeth a dog. Stupidly loyal, protective and always on my side.

Perhaps there are some similarities.

"Mhmn, I did." She looks at the ground for a moment before looking back at him hesitantly. He didn't think he had ever seen her hesitate before.

"Did you like the pigtails better?"

A pause.

Did he like them better? He looked at her, and remembered a slightly different Lizzy. One who wore childish pigtails and bright smiles. One who ran around with him with warm eyes when they was little, when everything was still perfect and alright. When he was still so painfully naive and thoughtless, when he had been so foolishly content in his illusion.

He looked at her, and saw her warm eyes. A Lizzy who wore ponytails and fancy braids looked back him, still full of bright smiles. The pigtailed Lizzy was a thing of the past, a past that can never come back again. After all, when something is truly lost, one can never get it back again.

"...No."

And if she does choose to wear pigtails once more on a random day (due to her whimsical moods), he doubted anyone would notice if his gaze lingers for just a little bit longer.

Author's Note: Sorry for the lack of extra's in this one. I have read all of your suggestions. I will be doing Francis', Vincent's (probably) and I will definitely do Sebastian's and more of Ciel's. This chapter is actually semi-cannon. Hope you enjoyed it!

Please leave a review on your way out! Thank you!