The

Expense Of Others

Lets press on, shall we?

Nobles attending the Phantomhive Floodgate Ceremony went about their business happily. That did include, but was not limited to, surreptitiously berating the Phantomhive Twins. Words of pure envy, all of them. Offers of mergers, business arrangements, and bartering and trade deals - typical of nobles to seek funds in all areas. What better means to profit than by placing a price on safety and security - of state and man. Companies in competition always looking to succeed one another in a blood thirsty race.

A few anxiously spoke of the dueling display Alliahnna provided. Her swordplay was rather impressive for a woman so young. Von Price hobbled his soaked pride far away. Though there were doubts he would stay gone for too long. Ciel was a topic of interest as well. How a man his age was so successful and held access to enough funds to purchase Buckingham Palace was anyone's guess. Perhaps if they pried hard enough they would learn his secret. For now they thought it best to keep their distance. The Phantomhive Twins seemed...out of sorts as of late. Or would it be best to attack while they were vulnerable?

Ciel kept to himself near the banquet table. Seven sugars dissolved in steaming hot tea. He drowned whirling downtrodden thoughts in five cups of Darjeeling tea. Number six was poured. Eight sugars this time. Elizabeth was distracted by a inane articles at the newsstand. The only true saving grace so he may wallow in a failure he knew to be his. No matter how vehemently he tried, no matter how hard he tried to delude himself, all facts reared round to one not-so-simple truth. Alliahnna was a demon. A creature of Hell. Sebastian made her a demon. Bound her to a contract belonging to Ciel and siphoned ever ounce of humanity. All because...of him.

"My coma…" Ciel rasped under his breath. "Had I not let my guard down, Alliahnna would never…" A thought occurred to him. Alliahnna offered her humanity for Sebastian's services. But in order for Sebastian to even consider tethering to her, she needed to have a deep, dark desire. A desire she'd surrender her very life to obtain. "The coma I was in. Did Alliahnna do it for my sake?" He sank in his tea, losing himself in his somber reflection. "Did she give up everything - again - to save me?"

Sebastian and Alliahnna kept their distance, wishing to allow Ciel time to wrap his mind around the current state of things. They watched him intently, observing his body language and manner to see how he was carrying on. Alliahnna had to admit she was a little taken back.

"He's taking this better than I expected." Alliahnna mumbled, bothered neither she or Ciel have broken the proverbial ice and spoke up.

"He does pride himself on being rational." Sebastian was leaned to a tree, facing opposite the party. He was more intrigued by Alliahnna than Ciel at the moment.

"It not so much rationality than it is blame." She watched him hide behind his tea rather than drink it. "Ciel is cursing himself for what happened." She let out a small derisive laugh. "Ironic given he doesn't remember a thing."

Sebastian could hear the crestfallen tone she did well to hide. The leaching nobles need not gain more ammunition. Alliahnna and Ciel truly shared more than just a face and birthday. They share blame. They both curse themselves for misfortunes befalling their doppelganger. Faults never theirs to begin with.

"You were superb, Alliahnna." Alliahnna was befuddled by the praise. "You handled Von Price with great panache." He changed the conversation so suddenly that Alliahnna needed a moment to process it. "Much of your normal strength has returned."

"Normal?" The word a disgusting taste in her mouth. "I'm not normal. Not that I ever was." She hugged her elbows.

Tender hands gripped her shoulders. She tensed, then relaxed. They edged her back, pressing her back to Sebastian's broad chest. Warmth spread through her back, making her neck tingle. "Normalcy is a flight fantasy. A nonexistent phenomena." He began to inch his hands forward. "You are Alliahnna Phantomhive. Earless, Commander of Guards, demon of fear..." Alliahnna's breath hitched in her throat. Sebastian's arms wrapped around her shoulders. He brought his mouth close to her ear, "And my eternal love." Hot breath tickled her ear. The hairs on her neck tingled.

Eternal love. Alliahnna chewed on her lower lip. Sebastian's arms held her tighter. He snuggled to her cheek, relishing her smooth skin rubbing against his. Loud pounding touched their ears. Their hearts were beating in unison. A red blush tinted her cheeks. Her mind grew hazy. This...this is the embrace. She closed her eyes, melting in his arms. Protective arms soothing all that ailed me. Saving me from the pain that still lingers in my heart. Sebastian snuck a lick to her earlobe. Alliahnna's mouth trembled open. When he nipped at her ear, she drew a sharp intake of air, stifling her moans. Her legs quaked uncontrollably, ready to give under the swelling heat. Then she gasped. Seeing Ciel in the yard, a painful reminder of Sebastian's contract to him dulled the moment.

"An eternal love…?" She pulled his arms apart, moving away from him, "Eternity must be remarkably short to demons." She growled, keeping her back to him. Sebastian blinked blankly. Light dimmed from her beaming sapphire orbs. "Because I seem to recall Ciel being your sole source of adulation. Even now..."

Then it struck him, like a knife burying itself in Sebastian's chest. Did she truly feel that way? He was aware she was upset. But to feel neglected. "Alliahnna..."

Alliahnna whipped around, boring hateful crimson orbs that made him step back. "For that whole year you did nothing but obsess over Ciel! Even at the Trancy Manor he was all you cared about! Do you crave Ciel's soul so much?"

Sebastian grit his teeth. "I never stopped caring for you!" He howled in response. "I worried with bated breath for your safety the entire time."

"So fraught with worry you set me up against demons I stood no chance in either heaven or Hell of defeating?! That is...if they were to take me seriously. " Sebastian's brow furrowed. He bit his lip. He forgot to breathe for a few seconds. Alliahnna sneered. "What? Did you really think I wouldn't notice?" She walked up close to Sebastian, daring him dangerously to deny the smallest iota of her claim. "Do you believe me so ignorant that I wouldn't notice?."

That breath of defeat finally escaped Sebastian's guilt, bringing him to lean to lean against a tree. A familiar weight pressed to his shoulders. Only Alliahnna held the power to coax his guilt to rend him asunder. He should have known better than to conceal secrets. "My faith in you has been and always will be steadfast. Never did I intend to hide this from you in hopes to mock you."

"Then why hide it in the first place?"

"For the same reason Claude and those demons held back. I wished to see how your body fared in its new state."

Sebastian recalled the weeks following Alliahnna's transformation. No more impressive than an animated shell of former glory. All the strength - physical - she possessed was gelatin. Her will burned hotter than ever. However that did not make up for lack of muscle or stamina. Walking proved taxing. She fought to stay awake an hour at a time. She's even passed out due to growing pains. Fighting was simply out of the question. Little by little her battle skills returned. Sebastian was actually impressed by her rapid recovery. Few demons can bounce back after a traumatic change. Only then did Sebastian doubt her physical capabilities. Everything else afterward held his absolute confidence.

"I know it is a flaw," Sebastian gathered the composure to break the news to her, "But you mustn't allow this to bother you. Underestimating you comes with the territory."

"So you knew they would do this!" Phantomhive's contained an abundance of pride so thick it would choke an armada of horses. Alliahnna may be Ciel's polar opposite, but she was no exception to this curse. Her greatest peeve is being taken for granted. In both the Noble and Battle Realms.

Sebastian pressed a finger to her enraged lips, silencing the fire blazing. Her gazed deep into her eyes, piercing her shell, and reaching her soul. Alliahnna's shoulder slouched. She relaxed a ways, giving Sebastian a little breathing room. Sebastian nodded, then proceeded. "When a new demon is born it takes a great deal of time for the body to adapt, adept, and adjust." To which Alliahnna agreed. "After a certain period, a certain air will hover about. A sort of invisible signal. Other demons will then size the young one up. Test them."

Alliahnna gazed upon her palm. Calluses engraved by her sword blemished her fair skin. The amount of blood forever stained to her palms dressed them like gloves. She's defeated angels, corrupt judges, killed men harming men, and stood her ground to reapers. Hard work she put years of dedication toward suddenly seemed fruitless. "That whole battle. Claude, the others, they were holding back? Testing me?!" Hot pink blazed briefly. Tree bark snapped. Birds flew off. Three girls shrieked, hugging close as they watched the bird fly. Alliahnna's fangs bared threateningly, coveting Sebastian's flesh. "You knew they would mock me! No wonder you deafened your ear to me! I am nothing more than a joke to you now! A girl lured by love and turned into a demon for it!"

"I did not deafen my ear to you." Sebastian struggled to keep his head. He detested Alliahnna's anger. Especially when all rational thought is erased. "And I certainly did not lure you! I professed my love each day!" Unlike you who remain a stubborn as a mule!

"How can you be so sure?" Alliahnna refused to let up. "You've been dead set on devouring Ciel you've crashed into trees along the way!" No denial by Sebastian. His face hurt recalling a weeping willow. "What about Ash? Angela? Grell? You!" She was forced to fight Sebastian once a year ago. "Did all of you hold back? Treat me like a joke?!" She swiped a hand. A deep gash ripped the grass to the dirt.

Sebastian stomped hard. A loud boom quaked the ground. "DO NOT COMPARE NOW TO A YEAR AGO!" Alliahnna squeaked, staggering into a tree. "Grell faced you with the intent to kill! As did Will! Ash beat you down several times, and each time you rose back and fought harder! Victory was yours! Half the demon power and you defeated a full blooded angel!" Alliahnna doubted his claim. Sure Ash and Angela were dead. She obtained her vengeance. But it was such a hollow victory. "Reapers are another matter! Impervious to death they are the most difficult. Jasper and Zanosuke would fare no better."

Alliahnna gradually took his words to heart. She knew he was right. She felt proud she was able to beat Ash with her own strength. Then why did she feel inadequate? "What about you?" Her voice croaked. She rubbed her elbow, fearing the answer to come. "Did you hold back just to size me up?" Her body was shaking. She mentally pleaded for it to stop. She was so angry. Why? Why am I so mad at him still? He was never horrible to her! Right now he is laying out the barren truth, commending her in the process. Where is this rage coming from?

Sebastian, stone faced, shook his head. "I sparred with you at a level I knew you were prepared to handle. When you grew stronger I intensified the training. Even when my father possessed you I fought with everything-"

"LIAR!" She exploded. Sapphire blazed pink. Fangs protruded her lip, breaking the skin. "If you truly fought at full strength…" She touched where Jasper's dagger plunged. "I may no longer be your master…" Her heart ached, "BUT I AM NOT YOUR LAB RAT EITHER! I don't care if Ciel is back in the picture!" She pointed challengingly, "DO NOT IMAGINE FOR A SECOND YOU CAN TREAT ME LIKE YOUR PROPERTY!"

Sebastian glowered. Enough was enough. Before Alliahnna could react, he already darted forward. She moved to get away. He grabbed her wrist roughly. Alliahnna winced. He yanked her farther into the trees. Sharp pain shot up her arm. Sebastian grabbed her other wrist and slammed both hands over her head with one hand. He cupped her chin savagely with the other, bringing her to meet his enraged glare. Demonic pink eyes shredded her obstinate rage. Swords ripping her body, cutting her defiance to the smallest of pieces. Her fangs and eyes retreated. Sapphire eyes were locked, terrified, to his damning gaze.

"You're correct…" He whispered. Alliahnna's heart skipped a beat when he spoke. "Our contract is completed. You're no longer my master." He sounded heart broken. "You're my creation. Even more so…" He buried his nose in her hair, "You are the warmth of my heart," Inhaling her rich sweet scent. Alliahnna cringed. Chills brought goose bumps to her neck, spreading down her back. "Words, no matter how profound or eloquent, will not convey how much I love you."

He parted from her hair. Tilting her head up, tender expressions exchanged between them. Flushed cheeks drew their faces close. Alliahnna's lips parted. Sebastian gently met her lips, passion pouring as he wrestled her tongue. He let her arms fall, wrapping his around her waist. Alliahnna gripped his shoulders, fighting in vain to not be swept away. Moans escaped her throat. Her tongue danced with his, permitting Sebastian to deepen the kiss. Strength left her legs. She was bend to the pleasure, the happiness she forgot Sebastian brought unto her. He propped a knee between her legs, holding her to a tree. They broke for a moment's breath then rejoined the kiss.

My heart...Every beat drummed louder than the last. It's going to burst. Alliahnna's mind moaned. The world was spinning. Pure bliss drew a lone tear along her red cheeks.

Taste my love. He held her tighter. Feel it as it melts you in its desire. Sebastian entangled locks of her hair between her fingers.

When Sebastian broke the kiss, the dream they entered gave way to the bustling, mundane chatter of the ceremony. It went ignore. None of it matter. At the moment, at least. Alliahnna was trapped in a glittering daze. The sweet taste of Sebastian's lips tickled her tongue and lips. Anger and disdain that built to explode died on the breeze. Sebastian caressed her blushing cheeks, drying the wet tear trail.

"Sebastian..." Her chest tingled. Her lips wanted desperately to meet his.

"I created you." He whispered. "Cultivated your will and drive, trained and tamed the wild demon essence. In the end I turned you into the creature you are." He cupped her other cheek, admiring the young woman he loved so dear. "All the while you wielded me like a second sword. Guiding me to your target. Unleashing my devastating might. Never repressing my strength. Complicated though our relationship was, our master-servant ties brought us closer." He drew her in by the waist. "The times I dreamt of forever holding you in my arms were countless. Now that we have each other...I never want to lose it."

Alliahnna pressed her hands to his chest. She didn't want him to feel her heart pounding. The sincerity of his words flowed through her palms, reaching the pit of her soul. She couldn't fight the small smile. Sebastian...

He stroked her head lovingly, chortling charmingly. Alliahnna groaned, puffing her cheeks. He always did that when he won an argument. "When exactly did you lose so much faith in me?" Alliahnna swallowed nervously. Without thinking she accidentally looks at Ciel. Sebastian began to understand. He laughed a little. "You think I replaced you?"

Alliahnna's fingers gripped the his uniform. "We must revive Ciel. We have to find Ciel's soul. I must claim his soul. He was all you cared about." She muttered. Swelling tears glossed her eyes. "For the last year you've done nothing but focus on him. Even at Trancy Manor you stayed with him." Sebastian guards Ciel, protects him. Just like he did with Alliahnna. She...She missed having him. "I know I did the same thing. But...you just...you kept focusing on Ciel. He became...your drive."

"It was for your sake."

"What?!" A spark ignited.

"I wished to locate my young master with the utmost haste. The sooner our contract was completed..." He kissed her forehead, "The sooner I could unite with my lady once more." He chuckled, smirking lecherously. "Having a master would hinder nightly rendezvous." Alliahnna He put his mouth to her ear, "I've longed to hear you howl my name to the night."

Alliahnna went scarlet red. She shoved him to a bush. Sebastian easily saved himself. She screeched fumingly. Her body quaked, shaking the trees. "YOU LECHEROUS DEMON!"

"Finally!" He cheered, swooning at her anger. "My Lady scolds me with love!"

"THAT'S IT!" She stormed off. "I'm finding Ciel!"

"Are you sure that is wise?" He teased. He hugged himself, blushing wolfishly. "This is the perfect chance to relive Limoges." He snapped a hand up, catching a flying rock. He smirked at Alliahnna.

Alliahnna retracted her arm then turned on her heels to rejoin the party. "You can relive Limoges AFTER the day is over."

Sebastian's brow shot up. "Is that a promise?" Alliahnna flexed a pinkie behind her back. Sebastian looked forward to tonight.

Ciel was seated at a lonely corner of the banquet table, leaning languorously on an elbow as he ruminated. People passing by appeared no more as shadows wandering about. Collective conversations slurred murmurs of tedious subjects. A couple of Young Ladies futilely flirted with him, wishing to gain his favor. Ciel's lack of response only discouraged their advances.

Clapping hands startled the young girls. Opened fans hid the shameless blushes tinting their rosy cheeks. Ciel was broken from his trance. He went wide eyed seeing Alliahnna strut over. "Okay, Ladies, that's quite enough. As you can see my brother is very tired. He only awoke from his coma 24 hours prior to this occasion." A lie of course, but the best means to fortify the excuse to be rid of them. "Please allow him to breathe. Besides," A puckish smirk hued her expression, "I'm sure Lady Elizabeth won't appreciate you flirting with her fiancé." The Ladies paused a moment. Finding Elizabeth pelting a man with volleys of pebbles halted their advances and drove them in the opposite direction." Alliahnna snickered. Ciel was stunned she dispatched them so easily. "Helpless against the skirts of kittens, Ciel?"

"Ugh...yes…" Light returned Ciel's senses. "I suppose I am." He rose to his feet. Dusting off the lingering adoration of those girls he managed a smile to Alliahnna. "For a moment I had forgotten how skilled you were at removing undesirables."

"Well to be fair," She gestured to Elizabeth who was flipping pages of a newspaper, "I'd flee the country if I knew I stood between Elizabeth and you."

A shudder cloaked Ciel in dread. "She'd demolish all of England." An image of Elizabeth the size of a monster smashing England came to mind. 'Breathing fire, holding a car in one hand, planes being swatted away.' "But I'm sure with your powers you'd defeat her easily." 'Alliahnna flew in - cape, mask, insignia D.G (Demon Girl) on her chest - and dealt a mighty blow.'

Alliahnna raised her hands, surrendering before the battle was even conceived. "Already tried. I am helpless to stop her." Eliza-zilla captured Demon Girl and devoured her, laughing triumphantly. "I'm glad your faith in me wasn't swayed." She regretfully pressed her fingers together, sinking fretfully. "Does that mean...you're okay with...you know…"

Ciel let out a dismal sigh, dampening Alliahnna's spirit. He touched the focal point of his forehead, trying harder and harder to come to grips with this outcome. Alliahnna is a demon. She became a substitute, was steadily losing her humanity, then gave it all up in order to save him. She possesses a talent for casting minds to the depths of their darkest fear, and she is now tied to the underworld. Is he happy? Not in the slightest. Is he mad? No. He's furious. But still. Knowing how this came to be - what Alliahnna's done. Ciel was more angry at himself. He could never hate Alliahnna for doing what she believed to be right.

"Do Elizabeth and the others know?"

"No." She answered firmly. "Lizzie knew at one point. But when things were hectic...another demon named Zanosuke erased her memory of it." Ciel raised his brow, mentally commenting, ANOTHER demon? "Don't ask. The only ones who know are you, Schneizel, and my friends Phoebus and Maes."

"Good. I wouldn't want the others to know of this." He spotted Elizabeth associating with Bardroy, Finnian, and Mey-Rin. They laughed like children. "Those three needn't be added to the danger of this."

"Agreed." Good. He shared her feelings on the matter. The less people know the safer they'll be. Alliahnna moved in. She stared with puppy-dog eyes, begging Ciel to answer the question she's been asking for a long time. "Are you sure you're okay with this? My being a demon? You're not mad?"

"The only person I am mad at is myself. Had I not fallen into that coma, this never would have happened."

"That's not true!"

Ciel raised a hand. Alliahnna heeded the order of silence. "While emotionally I am bothered," He took his sister's hands, "I can learn to accept it. After all," He put on his biggest smile, "I can't disown my elder sister. Least of all when she moved Heaven and Earth to take care of me."

"Don't forget Hell." She added laughing.

"You moved Hell as well?"

"Let me assure you it wasn't easy. A guy with horns wouldn't stop yelling."

"When this ordeal is over," He leant her his arm, "We shall have to elucidate further on this matter over tea."

Alliahnna curtsied, then wrapped to his arm, "It's a date then." The two giggled. A few nobles caught them acting childishly. They were, surprisingly, charmed to see the twins in such high spirits.

"It would appear I've arrived punctually." Sebastian announced behind them. He bowed, praising the twin's conciliation. "I am pleased to see you both made splendid amends."

"Well we can't have the hosts of this party arguing and avoiding each other." Alliahnna retorted playfully.

"No. I suppose we can't." Sebastian flashed an impish glare. Alliahnna covered herself bashfully, sensing the wandering gaze unraveling her clothing. She growled, puffing her cheeks. "This gathering should be ending fairly soon. Shall we pass the time with a quick stroll?"

Ciel and Alliahnna groaned simultaneously, "Please!" Sebastian allowed them passage and followed as they began strolling the grounds.

"CIIIEEEELLLL!" Alliahnna and Sebastian took a nonchalant step to either side. Elizabeth grappled Ciel out of nowhere.

"ELIZABETH!" Ciel caught her by reflex by the waist, thrown into short twirl.

"One would imagine he'd be more prepared." Sebastian commented slyly.

"She was on the other side of the field. There was no cause for alarm."

"Even you know better."

"I know." She drooped.

Absolute joy was pouring out of her flushed cheeks. A poor newspaper was crumbling in her clenching palms. "I'm so very excited!"

"We couldn't tell." Alliahnna and Ciel laughed halfheartedly.

"Look at this, Ciel!" Elizabeth smashed the opened paper in his face.

"Whatever it is, I can't see it like this!" Ciel wrestled for her to move it away.

"It's a dear!" Elizabeth pressed a finger elatedly to the picture occupying page three of the ledger she held.

"A...deer?" Alliahnna and Sebastian huddled close, intrigued by what was so exciting about a deer.

"There's an elusive deer living on a hill near here! It's ever so rare!"

"Oh is it now." Ciel doubted highly. He sighed irked. Elizabeth's fascination in the fairytales the ledger spat out exhausted him.

"A cute white stag that makes people happy!" She handed him the paper, wanting him to read further.

"I've never heard of such a thing." He remarked, hiding his curiosity.

"Me neither." Alliahnna held the other half of the paper. The subtext beneath the photograph read, Elusive white stag last seen by a family blessed them with eternal joy. Woman gave birth to healthy girl next week. "Huh. Says here the wife - worried of hereditary blindness - was blessed with a girl with her vision in tact." She was impressed. She itched stroked her chin. "How wondrous." Elizabeth bobbed her head, beaming brighter.

"A coincidence, surely." Ciel scoffed.

"Maybe. Maybe not. Weirder occurrences have happened."

"But this is in a league all it's own. How does a stag grant happiness and bring healthy births?"

"There is a legend." The young trio faced Sebastian. "The elusive white stag of which you speak is traditionally considered a messenger of the netherworld. Those who receive his good message are supposedly blessed with happiness and good fortune."

Alliahnna blushed, touching a curled hand to her lips. Perhaps it was a stag that brought Sebastian to me.

"EXACTLY!" Elizabeth was sparkling. "You know everything, don't you?" Elizabeth always remained in awe of Sebastian. Being handsome aside, he's a wellspring of knowledge.

"Why thank you, My Lady." He bowed gratefully.

"Have you ever seen it, Sebastian?" Alliahnna inquired.

"Jasper has."

"Who is Jasper?" Ciel asked.

"He's Sebastian's father!" Elizabeth replied.

"Sebastian has a father?!" He gasped, outright shocked.

"And an older brother, too! His name is Zanosuke! He was the greatest assistant I ever had!" Dread gripped Ciel. A demon assisted Elizabeth. He glanced to Alliahnna. She shook her head. Ciel was relieved. Elizabeth was bound to a demon.

"According to Jasper, the stag blessed him with two boys." Alliahnna was surprised to hear Jasper would say something like that. "But I am confident I inadvertently happened upon it." Her partially lidded his eyes to Alliahnna, "Eternal happiness blessed me only a short year ago." Alliahnna shied away, hiding her blushing face.

"I know you must have, Sebastian!" Elizabeth glistened brighter, falling in love with the romantic tale. "Otherwise you and Alliahnna-"

Alliahnna snapped a hand to her mouth, "MIGHT NEVER HAVE REVIVED YOU, CIEL!" She laughed forcefully. She pinched Lizzie's side, earning a muffled shriek. "RIGHT! Lizzie!" Elizabeth screamed yes repeatedly, nodding her head crazily. Alliahnna whispered as quietly as she could, "We haven't told Ciel! We're not sure how he'll take it! So shush! Or I take every pink dress you own!"

"It's nothing but a stupid fairytale!" Ciel sneered. Sebastian and Alliahnna remained unsurprised by Ciel's skepticism. It made them smile all the same. He's returning to normal.

"No! I know it's true! There are witnesses and everything!" Elizabeth pleaded her case. "Please, Ciel. Let's go and look for it. Allie? You'll come too, won't you?" She batted her big green eyes.

"Of course." She patted Ciel's shoulders impishly, "We were just complaining about how tedious this party was."

"Then that's perfect!" Elizabeth hugged Ciel's arm. "Come on, Ciel! Pretty please! With cherries and strawberries on top!"

"Not today." He folded the paper, waving it derisively, "I'm too busy for this-" He recoiled nervously. Beads of sweat trickled. Alliahnna cringed, ready to make a run for it.

Hoarse, stifled sobs gurgled in Elizabeth's throat. Her big green eyes were glossy, filling with tears ready to pour. "Not...fair…" Her voice broke. Alliahnna cowered, covering her ears. "NYAAA-HAAA-HAAAA!" Elizabeth wailed at the top of her lungs. Alliahnna's ears split open. Tears spouted like fountains. Sebastian hid his embarrassment behind his usual stoic persona.

"ELIZABETH, PLEASE!" Ciel fanned his hands, urging her to calm down.

"CALM DOWN, LIZZIE!" Elizabeth only cried louder. The other nobles ogled the spectacle humorously.

"I say, it's terrible manners to make your fiancé cry." One man remarked mockingly.

"So do you think they're engaged or merely playing house?" Another man snickered.

"This could mean my youngest niece has a chance with the Earl." A woman whispered to her girlfriend.

The hoard of comments battered The Twins, waning their resistance. To allow Elizabeth to cry would damage their reputation. But to simply give in would make them seem weak. Elizabeth's relentless crying did not help fortify their resolve. There was only one course of action.

Alliahnna begged his ear. "I'll pack the lunch."

"See to it you don't forget the blueberries." He glanced back at Elizabeth. She was losing her voice from crying so hard. Her little body shook. "LOTS of them."

"Strawberry whipped topping?"

"The thickest!"

"Consider it done." Alliahnna dashed for the table.

Ciel placed a palm to his throbbing head. "Sebastian. Prepare a boat to sail." He ordered drolly, hating to give in.

"Of course."

Elizabeth's tears gradually dried. She was merely whimpering for attention now. "Lady Elizabeth." She stopped crying all together. Ciel had extended a hand to her, bowing graciously at the hip. "There is another floodgate down stream I'd like to inspect. Perhaps you would favor me with your gracious company. I am told a legendary White Stag lives in this part of the country." Elizabeth lit up like city lights. "Have you heard tell of it?"

"Yes. I have." She took his hand. A sly grin of victory beamed brightly. "I'd like to come with you very much." A round of applause congratulated the amends. Ciel and Elizabeth walked arm in arm, heading for the tents to dress for the proper occasion.

Off in the background, going unseen by the crowd, a Chinese man leaned on a knuckle and smirked. "How interesting."

Row boats flooded the docks, bobbed on the lapping waves. Picnic blankets were arranged on the sloping grass. A perfect view to admire the water and watch couples sail downstream. A tent was arranged for people to change into more simple clothing in case they wished to venture the water or simply stroll about the nearby woods. Mey-Rin happily assisted Elizabeth with choosing an outfit to go boating in. Unfortunately Elizabeth was drawn to every manner of dress it was taking her a bit to decide.

"Have you decided upon one, M'Lady?" The feminine male fashionista asked the struggling Elizabeth. A pile of dresses deemed perfect for boating lied on a table for her to choose from.

"Well a simplistic style would be perfect for boating. But that one's just adorable!" Mey-Rin grabbed the gold and white dress. "And I do love those frills!" She grabbed a lavender dress. Elizabeth exploded. "NOT FAIR! I DON'T WANT TO CHOOSE! I WISH I COULD WEAR BOTH AT ONCE!" Mey-Rin darted back and forth, grabbing every dress Elizabeth looked at.

"Please, M'Lady, take all the time you need."

Alliahnna packed the picnic basket full of snacks and goodies. She strapped it firmly in the rowboat. She took one last peek. Those chocolate strawberries were simply divine. A shame it wasn't lunch time yet.

"Ready whenever you are, Ciel." She announced. Elizabeth was having Mey-Rin attempt to force two dresses on her. Elizabeth's head ended up getting stuck. Alliahnna signed, exhausted by the girl's bottomless energy. "That girl never ceases to amaze."

Sebastian finished prepping Ciel in a green and brown adventurer's garb. Complete with front and aft brims hat. He looked more like a hunter preparing to hunt big game. Alliahnna framed her fingers, picturing him with a huge shot gun and foot propped on a kill. She giggled at the thought.

Ciel knit his brow, hearing the menacing giggle. "What's so funny?"

"Oh nothing. Just thinking." She lied, stifling her laughter behind a hand. She wasn't able to put into words how much she missed Ciel. Teasing him was a favored activity.

"I thought you were planning to head home, Master." Sebastian proposed.

"Plans do change." Ciel replied dully. Sebastian ogled him curiously. Alliahnna seemed taken by his response as well. "What? This is my duty, after all." A very tiresome duty apparently. "Managing the river, participating in dull socializing, and keeping my betrothed happy." The last one had to be the most grueling task. Elizabeth, in every aspect, was the epitome of an emotional rapid. Calm a sufficient way, then turns dangerous before you can blink. "It is all my duty as the head of house Phantomhive." Alliahnna pinched and pulled his cheek. "Do you mind? What matter?" He grumbled.

"As a hopeless romantic, let me remind you that being engaged is not a job arrangement!" She pinched harder, stretching his cheek farther. Ciel cried in pain. "Lizzie does genuinely love you." Ciel's skin burned. From the pinch and her reprimanding. Do not believe Sebastian will protect you from me should you hurt her."

"Grr! My plan isn't to hurt her!" He snarled through pain. "What do you take me for?"

"A Phantomhive!" She let his cheek snap back to the bones. Ciel massaged the stinging red skin, pouting childishly at his sister. She put her hands to her hips, smirking roguishly. "I know you agreed to this to silence the nobles." She wagged a finger, "Can't have them underestimating Ciel Phantomhive."

"As foolishly as Von Price underestimated you." He added sneakily. Alliahnna chuckled darkly. She mentally savored Von Price falling into the river. Chauvinistic men rubbed her sorely like sandpaper. Part of her wishes he would have drowned in that water. "I'll not have these nobles take me for a foolish child. They'll know soon how seriously we Phantomhives take our duties. And viciously we bite back." His words encouraged Alliahnna. Her duty was to keep her brother safe, stand by his side. She was going to do so. But biting? No. Clawing was much more appealing.

"We'll go see to the boat, Master." Sebastian bowed. He and Alliahnna took their leave, allowing Ciel time to gather his thoughts. "Well…" He trailed off, whispering as they walked. "What do you think?"

"He seems like the same old Ciel." She responded casually. "Skeptical, blunt, charismatic, scared of Lizzie crying in public." It terrified a great deal many people. "It's as if nothing's changed. But there is something that was completely out of character." She glanced forebodingly towards him, "He hasn't asked who put him in the coma? Or how? Were it me, I'd be grilling for information."

Sebastian noticed the same thing. He had to agree. "I've yet to hear him mention the death of his parents. It is the very arrangement that bound me to him. Bound me to you."

"The only difference being I wanted to make Ash pay for taking the only family I had left. Ciel wants revenge for our parents."

Flames engulfed her childhood home, claiming the lives of both her parents. After nine - soon to be ten years, her skin still felt the heat of those the Hellish flames. Desperate cries of her and Ciel, begging for their parents to emerge, forever imprinted. Forever wailing in the dead of night.

Hot tears prickled the corners of her eyes. She massaged her eyelids. "Ciel's hand was so small. He was so frail..." Tightly the twins held on, running for dear life, never letting go. Alliahnna hung her head, hiding her sorrow behind navy locks. "He threw wet towels over me. Saved me. And I...I..." Tears leaked, "I abandoned him!" Tears trickled to her jaw. "I left him!" Sebastian turned her by the shoulders, drawing her in an embrace. His coat muffled her sobs. Ciel leapt to protect her. Ash was going to kill her. "Tell me he didn't summon you because I left! Please tell me I'm not the one responsible for his coma!"

"None of it was your doing." He lovingly stroked her back. "Never was it your fault." Her tears spilled, soaking the ebony coat. Sebastian lightly ran a finger side to side, tracing her trembling frame. Unbridled joy and grieving pain waged war in her heart, waning her normally sound state of mind. Sebastian could only offer sweets words to quell the storm. But he worried those words will not aide her for too long a period. "He wanted revenge for Queen Victoria taking his family. The day you left he blamed her for your departure. In a way that fire took everything from him." He tilted her head up, drying the tears from her puffy eyes, "Just as Ash took everything from you."

"But I'm going to lose him again." Sebastian reached into his coat pocket, handing her a handkerchief. Alliahnna dried beneath her puffy eyelids. "The only difference is the love of my life is doing the taking."

Sebastian touching his chest, stunned beyond words. "Love of your life?" Alliahnna furrowed her brow. Her pouting face blushed. She twisted slightly, saving what little dignity she had. After that slip it was all but nonexistent. Sebastian wolfishly snuck a lick, slurping her salty tears. Alliahnna squeaked, staggering while holding her cheek. Sebastian bowed, crossing a hand over his chest. "It is decided then. When we return home..." He lightly ran his fingers through strands of her hair, bringing the sweet smelling locks to his nose, "The tears you shall weep will be tears of pure ecstasy." Alliahnna shivered, turning red imagining what Sebastian had planned.

Hiding behind a tent, keeping low so not to arouse their suspicion, Ciel watched aghast. His mouth open in such shock it would have broken off. "How did I not see it?"

Charmed, gleeful rounds of applause greeted the arm in arm Ciel and Elizabeth. They played to the crowd's amusement, putting on enamored smiles as they strolled down the flight of stairs. Ciel pressed a foot to the wobbling boat. Carefully he helped his lady into the boat. Ogling ladies of the court blushed enviously, calling Elizabeth lucky. Noblemen studied the couple intensely. Both awed by how charming the boy was, and searching for the slightest hint of illegitimacy. Noblewomen suddenly had a craving for cubs.

Bardroy, Mey-Rin, and Finnian were tending to the boat, strapping down supplies those boating were likely to need. First aide, life preservers, canteens of water - the whole nine yards. Bardroy had been distracted by the incessant murmurs of the noble crowd, growing more annoyed every second they gawked at Ciel and Elizabeth like hawks.

"Oye, Sebastian. How come they're all gawkin' over there? It's not like it's a bloody circus." Mey-Rin and Finnian were just as boggled. The minds of nobles confused them to no end. The thanks they gave to god that Alliahnna never became one of them.

"Ah…" Sebastian flipped through a notebook containing the schedule for the evening, "They're trying to find fault within the young master. He does have an impressive number of social enemies."

"Enemies?" Finnian repeated.

"Dear! But why?" Mey-Rin wondered fretfully.

"Personal reasons, that's for sure." Alliahnna interjected. "Remember how back in Paris everyone and their noble grandmother watched me like a hawk?" Her reign as Commander never went unhindered. Men believing a woman can't lead an army, noblewomen offended by her brash and bold behavior, and everyone and anyone who hated her simply because she held no filters. "Many stood to benefit if it was proven I was unsuitable for the job." Thinking back, Alliahnna wondered how Phoebus, Schneizel, and the others were doing.

"I'm afraid the search is delving deeper than capability." Sebastian bore bad news, continuing to inspect the schedule. "For instance: If the Young Lord's engagement should break off."

"Oh yeah." Alliahnna touched her chin thoughtfully. "If Lizzie and Ciel break up," She touched her cheek, "Then we'd really be in for a barrage."

Lightning struck the horrified trio. "NOT A BREAK UP!"

Sebastian and Alliahnna found the disconcerted trio at their backs. "Now! All of you behave yourselves!" Sebastian forewarned. "Try not to come up with any crackpot strategies."

"And don't go arranging special rendezvous!" Alliahnna ordered them. "Lest Ciel and Lizzie end up at a butcher's farm." She shuddered. "Poor Maxwell."

"YES SIR!" The three saluted.

Sebastian and Alliahnna boarded the boat. "Poor Maxwell?" Sebastian scolded.

"What?!" She batted her eyelashes adorably, "He was a charming, nice fellow." Sebastian sneered. Distracting himself he pushed the boat off, entering the river.

"They mustn't break up!" Mey-Rin and the boys began to plot. "The Lady Elizabeth is the only one for the Young Master."

Finnian raised a determined fist, "So we've got to help him hang on to her!"

"Right! Let's take care of it!" Bardroy agreed. "We'll do anything we can, agreed?" Finnian and Mey-Rin nodded. They put their hands in the middle. "Hip-hip hooray!"

The stream's powerful current drove the row boat quite a ways down stream. Elizabeth was positioned at the bow of the boat, binoculars glued to her eyes searching for the elusive stag. Ciel lazily sat on the cushion, not thrilled in the least to locate an animal that doesn't even exist. Alliahnna wasn't so skeptical. Demons, reapers, and angels existed - not to Ciel's knowledge currently - what's to say a white stag didn't. Fish broke the surface, flowers glided the current, there was even a couple splashing and playing. An hour or two must have passed since they castoff. Still no sign or evidence of the white stag.

"LOOK!" Elizabeth directed portside. Ciel and Alliahnna snapped to where she pointed. "I think I saw something over there!" Sebastian drove the boat to the left. Mey-Rin, Bardroy, and Finnian saw their chance and dove into the water.

Alliahnna heard the splash and turned to it. The water was rippling in three places. Stranger still, there was a boat without anyone driving it. "Hmm…"

"Drat. I thought I saw a white stag." Elizabeth pouted.

"I saw a white dove." Alliahnna grinned impishly. Elizabeth smacked her head with the binoculars. "OW! What?"

"That's not the same!"

Alliahnna got in her face, rocking the boat. "Well you don't have to hit me! I was joking!"

"Hey! Careful!" Ciel held onto the rocking boat for dear life.

"You shouldn't be joking about something serious!"

"This isn't serious! This is a wild goose chase!" Sebastian sighed heavily. No amount of orders would make him intervene.

"It's not a goose we're chasing! It's a stag! I WANT A DEER!"

"I WAS JOKING!"

"WELL STOP JOKING!" Anime veins popped on Ciel's head.

"STOP YELLING!"

"YOU FIRST!"

"GIRL!" Ciel exploded.

"WHAT?!"

Something broke the surface of the water. The hollering trio jumped at the sound. Bardroy sprouted from the water, wrangling three white geese by the neck. "I FOUND THE STAG!" Alliahnna didn't bother commenting. The setup was too easy.

Suddenly Mey-Rin came speeding on the shoreline, hugging white rabbits in her arms. "LOOK I'VE GOT HIM!" She laughed.

Finnian stood atop a hill. "HERE...WE...GO!" He howled, hoisting a beautiful white mustang over his head. Mey-Rin ended up tripping, losing the rabbits.

"Surely you must be joking." Ciel hissed, touching the side of his throbbing head, embarrassed by the tomfoolery of his staff. "Those look like dear to you lot!" Elizabeth giggled. She loved Bardroy, Mey-Rin, and Finnian. They were always so funny.

Sebastian and Alliahnna exchanged deadpanned expression, then drove irritated palms to their faces. "Why do we even bother?" Sebastian breathed.

"They never listen." Alliahnna grumbled.

Sebastian checked his pocket watch. Thankfully it was noon. Scanning the area, there were open places surrounded by green bushes and basking in the shade of hovering trees. A very pleasant ambiance for picnickers to enjoy. "Shall we settle here for lunch?"

"Why not?" Ciel replied indifferently. "I need to stretch my legs anyway."

Alliahnna hooked the runaway boat by her sword. "Then let's get things prepared." Sebastian guided them to shore. Alliahnna helped the unmanned boat to shore. She unwrapped the tarp, unloading the tables and blankets. "You three." She called gruffly. Mey-Rin, Finnian, and Bardroy froze. "Put those animals back where you found them."

"Yes ma'am…" The trio hung their heads solemnly.

Alliahnna rolled her eyes, breathing irritably. "Can this day possibly get anymore irritating?"

"STEP RIGHT UP AND PLACE YOUR BETS!" A voice howled from the other side of the stream.

"LAO?!" Elizabeth gasped.

"Asked and answered." Ciel droned.

The Chinese President flurried his arms, dancing on his white carriage, waving people's attention to the chalkboard graphing currently wagered odds. "It's 6 to 1 Lady Elizabeth will find what she seeks! 4 to 1 they fail!" Ran-Mao drew focus to the sign Lady Elizabeth Cup, helping Lao draw in sucker betters. "Come on up and place your bets, gentlemen!"

Ran-Mao uncrossed then crossed her legs again. Staring blankly, her feminine magnetism luring horny men closer, she blankly said, "You heard him." Men charged for the carriage, throwing hard earned money on the odds they believed to be the outcome.

"Yes! Yes! Don't be shy! Take the long odds!" Lao encouraged, passing out ticket. "108 odds say the engagement is cancelled. Step right up on here and place your bets."

Ciel watched Lao make a fool of himself amongst those men. Lao never ceased to aggravate him. "What is he doing? Idiot."

"Huh? Hey," Elizabeth looked around confusedly. "Where did Alliahnna get off to?"

"I believe she is rekindling an old friendship." Sebastian answered, flashing a familiar smile indicating brewing trouble. He directed Elizabeth and Ciel to peer across the river. To their surprise, Alliahnna was parting the crowd to get to Lao.

"When did she get over there?" Elizabeth wondered.

"Now the bets are 200 that they'll break off the engagement!" Lao went on happily accepting bets. "40 they'll fail, and 10 they'll succeed! Come on folks! Ladies would you-uh?" Lao spotted Alliahnna in the front of the crowd. She had her hands on her hips, tapping her foot heatedly. "LADY PHANTOMHIVE! How pleased I am to-PUH!" A rock bounced off his forehead, knocking him flat on his back on the carriage seat. The nobles parted fearfully, cautiously backing away.

"Ciel's barely been back for 18 hours and you're already betting against his competency?" She scolded curtly.

"NO-NO-NO! You misunderstand!" He waved his hands wildly, sweat sprinkling profusely. "I do not think your brother is incompetent at all. Besides that, I'm not betting at all." A bloody lump protruded his forehead. "I'm simply bringing life to this dull gathering. A little healthy procurement of funds at the expense of an arbitrary party."

"Arbitrary meaning Ciel and Lizzie." She stretched a brow.

"Precisely!" Lao jumped down, throwing an arm around her shoulders. "There's no harm in engaging in a favored pastime, is there?" Alliahnna growled throatily, twisting away from the embrace. Lao pressed the side of her nose flirtatiously, "And if you let me go about my business…" He whispered in her ear. Dark ominous clouds surrounded his parting eyes, "I bring news from Paris you'll just die to here." Alliahnna's eyes widened.

To be continued…