It wasn't until later in the day that Alois woke up. His wound was beginning to heal a bit, although he still felt slightly sick. He looked around the room groggily and sat up curiously as he saw an empty chair next to the bed.

"Was someone here earlier?" The boy mumbled in thought to himself.

He slipped out of bed softly and padded across the room to the open door, poking his head out to look down the hall. There was no one there. Slowly, leaning on the wall slightly, he made his way down the narrow hall, looking for people. His stomach grumbled at him loudly. He realized it had been at least a full day since he had anything to eat.

Just as he was heading toward the kitchen, or at least where he thought the kitchen was located, he heard a beautiful sound. Someone was playing the violin in a nearby room. He heard them curse slightly as they hit a sour note.

It sounded just like Ciel. He was tempted to barge in the room to say hello, but decided against it. So instead he sat down just outside the room and listened intently, hooked on every beautiful note the violin produced. He giggled every time Ciel got frustrated. After an hour or so, the music completely stopped.

Alois continued to sit there, lost in thought, his eyes closed softly. He felt someone poke him softly. His trance broken, he opened his eyes and looked up to find Ciel looking at him curiously.

"What are you doing?" He asked simply.

"I was, um, listening." Alois replied, blushing slightly. "Was that you playing?"

Ciel hesitated then nodded. "Yes. It probably sounded horrible."

"What? No! I thought it was beautiful" He smiled slightly.

The younger boy eyed him. "You really did?" Alois nodded enthusiastically. "Er…thanks." He didn't quite know what else to say. As he turned around to walk off, Alois' stomach growled loudly. He sighed.

"Are you, um, hungry?" He couldn't believe he was being so nice to Trancy! This wasn't like him.

Alois blushed but smiled, giggling slightly. "I guess so. I hadn't realized it's been a while since I've eaten."

Ciel sighed again. "I'll have Sebastian make you something. I would suggest getting more rest."

The boy whined. "But I've already slept so much. I want to actually do something!"

Ciel rolled his eyes. "That's what you get for being stupid."

"I wasn't stupid! I just….well, I don't know."

"See, it was stupid."

"Fine. But still, I want to do something." His eyes lit up. "Maybe we can play a game!"

Ciel's interest was peaked slightly. "What kind of game?"

The boy thought for a second. "How about…chess!"

Ciel smirked slightly. "Alright, just be prepared to lose. No one can beat me at that game."

Alois grinned. "That's because you've never played against me. I could definitely win!" He said with complete confidence. He stood up quickly with excitement, wobbling slightly. "Let's go play now!" He smiled slyly. "And how about we make it more interesting?"

"Interesting how?" He eyed Alois suspiciously.

"We make a bet. You're so sure you can beat me, but what IF I beat you? Hm?" This'll make it more fun he thought, giggling to himself.

The dark haired boy pondered for a second. "Fine. What do you want if you win? And what do I get if I beat you?"

"If I win, you must have a sleepover with me. And at that sleepover we will do everything I want. Now, if you win, I'll leave immediately and not bother you for an entire month. Is that a deal?" His eyes glinted playfully.

"A sleepover? That's a bit childish..but alright. It's a deal." He led Alois to the game room and pulled out the very expensive chess set he used often. He set the board down on a small table and set up each piece where they went.

Alois smiled slyly. "You may go first Phantomhive."

"Alright. But I'm watching carefully, so if you cheat, I will automatically win."

The boy pouted playfully. "You think I'd actually cheat?" He chuckled. "Don't worry, I'll keep this game fair, alright? Now don't get your knickers in a twist."

"I'm not getting… hmph whatever." He moved his first piece and watched as Alois did the same. This continued on for a bit.

"So why were you so angry yesterday?" Alois asked, trying to spark a conversation.

Ciel didn't respond at first. "It was just a bad day." He didn't really want to go into it.

"Come on, you can tell me. Did something happen?" Alois looked at him intently, hoping he would tell him.

"I…was working on an important case. We were trying to protect someone from a killer..but, well, the murderer got to our victim before we figured everything else out. I guess I was just a bit frustrated. I thought we could have done better. And then because we failed, I've been suspended from working on any cases for at least a week." He moved another piece.

Alois looked surprised. "The queen really suspended you? That's a bit harsh." He moved as well, taking out one of Ciel's pieces.

"I suppose it is, but that's what she ordered. I can't do anything about it."

Alois smiled. "Well at least you have a break for now. You're always so busy, that maybe it's time you had a bit of fun for once. You know, get out and do something you want to for once."

Ciel moved, taking out one of Alois' pieces. "I don't really do many fun things..I don't even know how actually. Nothing seems fun lately, but I suppose that's fine."

"No, it's not, you're supposed to have fun." He grinned. "I know you'll have fun at my sleepover."

"What makes you think I-" As he was speaking mid sentence Alois smiled widely at him and said 'Checkmate'

Ciel was slightly shocked. "Looks like I win Phantomhive."

"But, how?"

"You underestimate me. I can do well when I want to." He giggled. "I'm so excited now!"

Ciel didn't really know what to say. He examined the board, and sighed when he was sure Alois had in fact beaten him. "So when will the sleepover be..?" Ciel asked, not exactly enthusiastic.

"Tomorrow!" The boy responded cheerfully. His stomach yelled at him even louder than before. "Um, can I have some food please?" He asked, having completely forgotten his hunger.

"Ah, yes. Sebestian!" He called.

After a few seconds, Sebastian came in. "Yes bocchan?"

"Make something for Trancy and I to eat."

"Of course." He bowed and left, hiding his fury at the fact his Master was being so friendly with that Trancy garbage. His eyes flared angrily as he walked out of the room to make the two some food.

Ciel examined Alois, who was looking a bit pale. "Are you alright?"

Alois nodded, holding back a small cough. "Yes, I'm fine." He lied. His body felt like it was burning, and his stomach really hurt, but he refused to let it show. It was just a minor annoyance to him.

Ciel had to hand it to Alois, he could be pretty tough. He had always thought that the boy was weak, but it seemed there was a small bit of strength in him. "If you say so." He said, not really caring either way.

They sat in awkward silence for a while until Sebastian brought in two plates full of perfectly cooked spaghetti with an aromatic white sauce. Alois eyes lit up. "Oh wow, that looks delicious!"

Sebastian bowed and handed them their food, then quickly walked out of the room, not saying a word.

The boy laughed. "I think your butler doesn't like me."

"Probably not. I wouldn't blame him anyway."

Alois looked slightly offended. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well.." Ciel took a bite of his food and pointed his fork at Alois. "..you can be pretty annoying, and very obnoxious. And what's with your attire? It's way too flashy for most people's taste." He stated bluntly.

"You really think I'm annoying? And I quite like my outfits! Don't you?"

"Yes, I do. It's really hard to be around you sometimes. You're just too whiny and forceful sometimes. The outfits you wear aren't to my taste either." He shrugged as he said it.

Alois expression turned slightly sad. "I'm sorry…I don't mean to be annoying." He looked away. "I'm not sure how to act." He took in a deep breath and smiled. "I think you do like my attire, you just won't admit it. So what shall we do after we eat?" He asked, obviously trying to change the subject. He stuffed his face full of a large bite of spaghetti.

Ciel clearly caught the attempt to change the subject, but ignored it. "Why do you do that?" It wasn't so much out of concern he asked, but more out of curiosity, at least that's what he told himself.

"Do what?" Alois asked through his mouthful of food, trying to avoid answering.

"You know what. Changing the subject and hiding your true emotions." He took another bite of food and waited for the answer. This boy is odd He couldn't help but think. Then another thought crossed his mind unintentionally. We seem to have a lot in common...

He swallowed and paused before answering. "I guess it's just easier. I'd rather not deal with my real emotions. They're too depressing. If I could, I'd forget everything negative in my life completely."

"I think a lot of people would if they had the chance. Surprisingly, what you said makes a lot of sense.

Alois smiled and quickly finished eating. He hugged Ciel and stood up, grinning. "I think I'll take my leave."

"You're leaving now?" Ciel asked curiously.

"Yep!" He giggled. "I've got to get ready for tomorrow. I'll see you promptly at 7:00 at my manor, alright?" He waved as he walked off, leaving Ciel to himself. After finding Claude, he headed home.

The young Phantomhive boy sat quietly in thought. Certainly a strange boy…But not as bad as I thought. He watched through the large window as Alois' carriage rode off into the darkened night sky.