Um... Hey. It's been a while, hasn't it? Well hopefully I can update more frequently since school is over (woot woot) but then I'll be going to uni (boo, nah not really). I've been typing this on my new phone, which is pretty swanky, but I do miss my old trooper (may his soul rest in peace). My old phone lasted for several years before going bust and my new one is completely different. Fancy tiny touch screen when I am used to the size of an iPad. Man I sound old. Anyways, hope y'all like this . \(^-^)/

Rosalie was sitting on the floor of her shared room sorting through her belongings with the help of Mei Rin. Although she had been living in the manor for several months, she never got around to sifting through them, so she decided to do it today since her wonderful 'student' decided to skip yet another class for some reason which he refused to explain.

"Again, Ciel? she whined, ignoring Sebastian's glare for calling her master by his name. "When was the last time you actually had a full lesson? Every time we start, he-" she stabbed an arm at the butler in a furious gesture. "Comes in and you disappear." She let out an exasperated sigh before muttering darkly in French.

"I'm sorry, Rosy but I have some important business to attend to."

"And what exactly does a 12 year old boy have that is more important than your own education? Because I have had it up to here." She waved her hand above her head.

"Be patient, you'll soon find out." Ciel gave her a knowing smile before disappearing yet again letting another lesson go to waste.

"Ooohh, where did you get this?" Mei Rin broke her chain of thought and picked up a soft black and white winters coat with shiny silver clasps. "It looks expensive," she said as passed it to Rosalie.

"I thought I lost this." She stroked the coat, remembering how ecstatic she was when she got it. "It was a gift," she finally said and went to hang it behind the door when it opened, hitting Rosalie in the face.

"Pack your bags," Ciel demanded at a groaning Rosalie who was holding her nose. He waltzed in and gestured for Mei Rin to leave and the glasses maid scurried out. Rosalie let out an exaggerated sigh and watched the boy wander around her room, silently judging the mess before sitting on the bed.

"What do you want now, child?" she half grumbled in annoyance.

He gave her a small smile, "Pack your bags, Rosy."

"Can you not see that the contents of my bag are all over the floor being organised or have you become temporarily blind?" Rosalie sat back on the floor and continued to fold her clothing. She was not in the mood for his games. But instead of getting annoyed, Ciel let out a laugh. "Okay, what in hell's name have you planned for me?" she asked in bewilderment.

"Today is the day you finally find out what exactly 'a 12 year old boy, such as myself, has to do that is more important than my own education'."

Rosalie raised a brow, "And where may we be going?"

"London. Be ready within the hour." And with that he left.

The coach bumped along the road as it went to London. Rosalie watched Ciel scribble something down at the back of a piece of paper and constantly referring to Sebastian for his opinion. She shifted uncomfortable and waited for Ciel to say something but he still sat there quietly discussing god knows what to his faithful servant.

"Okay, that's it." Rosalie stood up and loomed menacingly over the baby faced earl.

"Why am I here and what are you whispering about?" But all Ciel did was raise his hand to silence her. She grumbled and sat back down. For the next half hour, she repeatedly asked him of her part in all of this and each time he shrugged

"That is not an answer, you snivelling little-" Her insult was cut short by Sebastian.

"We have arrived." They stepped out of the coach and made their way to the Phantomhive Summer estate. It was smaller than the main house but fancy nonetheless. Upon entering, they were greeted by a cacophony of chatter and destruction. Ciel's expression darkened as they entered the drawing room. There were four people in the room whom Rosalie did not recognise. A women with deep red hair and dressed in red from head to toe was throwing objects out of the cupboard in search of something, a timid butler was standing next to her, trying to get her to calm down and an Asian man was lazily sprawled onto the couch.

"Aaaaah! Ciel!" The red headed women pulled him into a death grip. "How have you been? Aren't you going to give your aunt a kiss?"

"Aunt?" Rosalie coughed, turning the attention to her.

"Oh, new blood." The Asian man slinked off his chair and joined the red woman in analysing Rosalie. "Bit short, isn't she? But she does fill out nicely," he said, poking her chest. Her face turned bright red and she wrapped her arms around herself.

"Lao, stop tormenting... what was your name, dear?"

"Er... Rosalie."

"Oh what a beautiful name. Well, my name is Angelina Duress but everyone calls me Madam Red. This is Lao and that over there is my butler Grell. He's a bit shy so don't mind him. So what are you doing here?"

"I actually don't know." She turned to Ciel and glared at him.

"She is my tutor," he said. "And has been nagging me about what I do."

"Well if you didn't skip 70% of your lessons, I wouldn't be complaining now would I?"
Madam Red turned to Ciel, "Is she helping with the murders?"

"What murders?" she asked suddenly interested.

"The Jack the Ripper case of course. Ciel is the Queen's guard dog, surely you must know." But Rosalie's face said otherwise.

"You? The Queen's guard dog? Well that is definitely surprising. But it does explain a lot."

"Yes, well that is all nice but we have to go to my source for more information." Ciel stood up and gestured for everyone to leave.

"Where are we going to?"

"Undertaker." The last time Rosalie was at the Undertaker's place was prior to her taking the tutoring position. She remembered how kind and helpful he was in his own twisted and bizarre way. He gave her a place to stay when she couldn't go back to her apartment. He even found her a job. Never in her life would she forget the night he found her crying in the pouring rain. She didn't take notice of him as he walked past if it wasn't for his double take, she wouldn't kniw where she'd be. The words he said to her that night were etched into her brain.

"Be aware that I don't normally do this but I have a feeling that you are to be a part of something well and truly interesting." Rosalie was forever grateful for what the Undertaker did for her.

"This is the place?" Madam Red said in disgust.

"It's a bit shabby," Lao observed.

"Shabby?! This place is downright ghastly." Sebastian knocked thrice on the door and it creaked open. The group walked into the dark and dreary shop.

"He he he. I knew you would come." An eerily familiar voice echoed across the coffin filled room. "Welcome, Earl. I have a custom made coffin for you."

"I did not come here to play, Undertaker," Ciel said bluntly.

"I know," he giggled and stepped out of a casket. "It's written all over your face. Oh, well look here. It's pretty little Rosy, it has been a while." He gave her a toothy grin and walked towards her.

"Hello, Mr Undertaker" she smiled back.

"Please, no need for formalities. I have told you to call me Undertaker. Just Undertaker." Ciel rolled his eye and stepped in front of the mortician.

"You know something?"

"Mmm, yes and since the earl went out of his way to visit me, I'll certainly do anything I can to help. Please sit down, I'll go make tea." They scanned the room for any chairs but ended up sitting on the coffins. The Undertaker passed around the beakers of tea and some dog biscuits before he started to talk. "You want to know about the Jack the Ripper murders? Well this isn't the first time I have come across something like this."

"You've seen something like this before?" Madam Red asked, shifting uncomfortably on her coffin.

"Yes, it's happened before. And even the way the prostitutes were murdered is similar. Even though the police don't think much of it, the prostitutes have something in common."

"And what exactly may that be?"

"I wonder. I wonder indeed." He let out a ghostly laugh at Ciel's expression and continued. "Is it bothering you?"

"Ah, I see how it is." Lau went up to the Undertaker. "How much money do you want?"

"I don't want any of the Queen's money! But I do have one request." He grinned maliciously. "All I want is a first rate laugh and if you do, I will give you the information you desire." Ciel grumbled and Rosalie let out a small laugh. Undertaker hadn't changed one bit.

"I can handle this," Lau declared and proceeded to tell what was supposed to be a joke. After failing miserably, Madam Red took charge and told a gossip filled story, loaded with profanities, which wasn't remotely humorous in any way. Undertaker grinned and turned towards Rosalie.

"You know what makes me laugh, little Rosy."

"Oh no. You can count me out. The only time you ever laugh is when I trip over all these coffins and get a bloody nose." He gave her an exaggerated frown and faced Ciel.

"It seems the Earl is the only one left. I've helped you so many times, can't you be nice to me just this once?"

"It cannot be helped." Sebastian stepped forward. "Everyone step outside for a moment and do not peak in," he added as if directed to Rosalie. They all left and waited in silence.

"This is taking too long," Rosalie groaned and went to press her face against the door.

"I- I don't th-think you should do that," Grell stuttered. "Mr Sebastian said- "

"What Sebastian doesn't know, won't hurt him." She was about to peer through the key hole when a howl of uncontrollable laughter erupted from the room. The door opened and they were greeted by the smiling butler.

"You can come in now." They entered the room to find the Undertaker collapsed on top of a casket, crying from laughter.

"What did you do?" Rosalie asked, as she sat back down but Sebastian shushed her and the Undertaker continued to tell what Ciel came all this way for.

"I noticed that when the dead arrived, they didn't have enough 'guests'."

"Guests?" Madam Red asked but Rosalie instantly knew what he was talking about and pushed her beaker of tea away.

"Internal organs. Don't you think that the internally sleeping 'guests' that lay in the pretty coffins are cute?" Lau gagged and almost threw his is tea while Madam Red calmly put it down with a sour look on her face.

"But these ones are missing their guests. Especially what makes them important." He appeared behind Ciel and wrapped one hand around his waist and the other at his neck. "A slit of the throat and the uterus was cut out perfectly. Very strange indeed."

"You're saying whoever did this must have been skilled?"

"Of course, little Earl. This wasn't the work of a civilian."

Ciel nodded and stood up. "Thank you for your help." He nodded and turned to leave, indicating everyone else to go too. As Rosalie stood up to leave, Undertaker grabbed her arm.

"Has my little angel accomplished anything special yet?"

"I still don't know what you mean but I'll try.

"One day, you'll know. Goodbye, little Rosy."

"Goodbye." She smiled and ran after Ciel.

"So what's the plan?" Rosalie sat on Ciel's desk, eating his cake. Sebastian had jumped out of the carriage on the way home and made a highly detailed list of suspects and tea by the time they arrived home. "How are we going to catch the Viscount?"

"When did this become a 'we' ?" Ciel asked as he tried to push he away with his pen. "I distinctly remember you complaining about the situation."

"This became a 'we' when you brought me into this mad house and I was complaining about your weird friends. You need... other company, Earl. Preferably your own age." A polite cough came from the doorway as Sebastian walked in.

"My Lord," he bowed politely. "The Viscount of Druitt is hosting a party tomorrow evening and I believe it would be the perfect opportunity to investigate him."

"Mmm..." Ciel agreed, as Sebastian continued with his plan of action.

"Well, this sounds boring," Rosalie interrupted as she slid off the desk. "I'll be back." And with that she disappeared through the door.

"As I was saying, it would be easier to infiltrate the party and... Observe the Viscount's behaviour."

"Yes, but how are we going to be able to do that?"

"Er, Ciel?" Rosalie's head popped in the doorway. "Your crazy aunt has brought a crazier friend and they are going on about disguises." Ciel sighed and followed his tutor to the drawing room to see Madam Red excitedly chatting away with Nina Hopkins, the family seamstress, before she left to find Grell.

"Is this the little spy?" Nina asked, grabbing Rosalie's wrist and dragging her to the centre of the room to be examined.

"The little what?" But she was ignored.

"By the way, who is she, Ciel?"

"My tutor but-" But, like Rosalie, he too was ignored, as per usual.

"She has a nice figure for a servant. A bit soft around the edges but curves are always better I think. I have the perfect dress for you, especially for these." The fashionista grinned maliciously and grabbed Rosalie's breasts from behind, giving them a good squeeze. "You'll have every man's attention on you." She disappeared and Rosalie hid behind Ciel, her arms folded defensively over her chest and her face pink from embarrassment.

"Hide me." Her voice sounded like a hoarse whisper. "Please."

"Why on earth are you there for?" Nina returned with a dress bag. "We need to make sure you are perfect so that the Viscount doesn't suspect a thing. Come on, now." Rosalie reluctantly obeyed, seeing as no one was going to help her

"Ciel, where's Nina?" she heard Madam Red ask.

"She's test a dress for Rosy to wear to the party," Ciel explained, his voice rather bored.

"No, no, no, no. You're supposed to be wearing the dress," she explained as Nina dragged Rosalie out who was wearing a low cut black and turquoise sleeveless dress with black elbow length translucent gloves and a lace headband. "He's supposed to be wearing the dress," Madam Red repeated to Nina.

"Why am I wearing a dress? I'm a boy!" Ciel fumed.

"Because I always wanted a little niece." His aunt squeezed his cheeks. "Along with a nephew," she added just in case she offended Ciel. The boy grumbled inaudibly in anger and sat down.

"So I'm not going to woo the Viscount with my feminine charms?" Rosalie inquired as she admired herself in the mirror.

"No, dear."

"Fine Ciel can have my dress." Her face saddened as she continued, patting her skirt.

"My pretty dress that I was going to wear to a fancy party." She let out an exaggerated sigh, hoping someone will notice the hint she was dropping. No one did, so she huffed and went to get changed.

"No, he can't wear that." Nina returned with a pink and white gown. "Now this is Ciel's type of dress."

"There is no way in hell I am wearing that." The boy finally out his foot down.

"Why not?" Madam Red and Nina said in unison.

"Because it's pink!"

"Well since you're not letting me do the infiltration it's only fair." Rosalie returned, her arms crossed. "Plus you're already looking stupid by wearing a dress. A pink one won't make much difference." Ciel shot a glare in her direction which she returned with a shrug that said 'your fault'.

"Rosy, can you be a darling and teach Ciel some etiquette? We need to make this as believable as possible."

"Of course, Madam but can I come to the party too? I really like the dress and I haven't been to a party in a while." Madam Red agreed and left to discuss details of Ciel's outfit with Nina.

"You've been invited to parties?" the young earl asked as they went to the study.

"Not technically invited," she grinned but before Ciel could ask any more she changed into tutor mode. "Now, there are many rules for ladies to follow when in the public eye. Unlike men we are expected to act with utmost decency and manners." She stared hard at Ciel. "I think we need to work on your posture."

"What's wrong with the way I stand?"

"You slouch." Rosalie walked behind him and pulled his shoulders back until he was standing straight. "Now that's how you are supposed to stand."

"I don't think it is healthy to be this high up." She placed a small stack of books onto his head and ushered him to walk. "I think I'm going to fall," he declared as he took his first few wobbly steps.

"I think it's that eye patch messing up your balance. How did you lose your eye?"

"In a fire." His detached tone said the discussion was over. An eerie, awkward silence filled the room as Ciel walked up and down the room, his pace quickening as he became comfortable.

"My Lord, I have-" Sebastian walked into the room and smirked at the sight of Rosalie removing books from Ciel's head and commanding him to go forward.

"Oh, hello Sebastian," Rosalie smiled as she sat on the desk. "Notice any change?"

"You finally got the master to do something about his spine. You surprise me, Rosalie."

"You know an 'amazing' or 'excellent job' would have sufficed."

"There is nothing wrong with the way I stand or walk." Ciel huffed.

"On the contrary, master you do have a small slouching problem. You somehow always have your back like this." Sebastian hunched his shoulders forward and bent his knees trying to imitate Ciel's posture.

"No, it more than like he tries to make himself shorter. Like this." Rosalie straightened herself up. "I can't do it," she added, laughing and Sebastian smirked.

"When did you two get so chummy?" Ciel asked as Rosalie stopped laughing. She opened and closed her mouth several times before answering.

"What are you on about?" She let out a small laugh pulled off her shoes. " Put these on," she instructed, holding the shoes in front of his face. Ciel stared at the shoes as Rosalie wiggled them. "We don't have all day."

"Why?"

"Because I said so. And don't worry we're the same size." Ciel was about to ask what she was up to when Rosalie shot him a glare. "Just put the damn shoes on. You'll be wearing women's shoes so you need to be able to walk well in them." He looked like he was about to throw a fit but she gave him one look and the little lord snatched the shoes and put them on.

"Now that wasn't too bad." She waved her hand for Ciel to walk.
It took the rest of the day and most of the next morning to get Ciel to appear to be a semi believable young woman. After being forced into a corset by Sebastian with Rosalie laughing hysterically in the background, the lord was ready to become a lady.

"My little niece is absolutely adorable." Madam Red squeezed her nephew tight until he was gasping for air. "And you look amazingly beautiful, Rosalie." The tutor grinned broadly at the compliment.

"I think it might be a bit too revealing," Ciel pointed out, averting his gaze. She turned and pulled her coat over her chest.

"Pah, you are too young to know anything about fashion. Rosalie has something to be proud of, ergo she should show it off. You on the other hand-"

"I am a boy! What part of that is difficult to understand?" He sighed heavily and turned around. "I give up, who cares about the murders?"

"I believe it is time to leave," Sebastian said, stopping Ciel, who grumbled. "You must go through with this, master." He walked passed dressed in a different suit and glasses to disguise himself as a tutor.

"The moment I turn back, you are already stealing my job," Rosalie grinned as they made their way to the coach.

"Only for tonight, since you abandoned your position to dress up." He offered his hand to help her up onto the carriage. "You look very pretty tonight, milady," he smiled and winked. That simple statement made her face heat up instantaneously, and avoided anyone's gaze for the whole ride.

They arrived at the party and Madam Red disappeared amongst the crowd while Ciel and Sebastian were discussing their plan of action. Sighing, Rosalie wandered into the crowd. She found herself loitering with a champagne flute at the end of the hall watching couples dance majestically. Her glass hovered halfway towards her mouth as she yearned to dance. She tapped her foot and absentmindedly hummed to the waltz.

"A beautiful woman like you shouldn't be all alone like a pretty wallflower." She turned around to see the Viscount of Druitt, Alistair Chambers, bowing politely as he softly kissed her hand. Rosalie smiled and curtsied.

"What a lovely party you have organised," she answered, turning her head away from him to hide her face.

"Yes, why of course," he exclaimed, ignoring her compliment. "Lady Rosalie Elliott. I'd recognise those eyes anywhere. My, have you grown." His gaze wandered across her body, lingered at her chest.

"Mmm, yes it has been a while," she replied in a dull tone.

"Didn't you leave home?" he asked, suddenly intrigued by her. "I have not heard of you in years. Actually, no one has heard from you since your father passed away. You just vanished..."She nodded and grabbed another champagne glass from a passing waiter. She disappeared the night after her father's death without a word to anyone. She felt Alistair run his fingers along her bare shoulder and up her neck. "A beautiful flower like you shouldn't have such a scrunched up face. Relax a little." Resisting the urge to slap him, Rosalie smiled politely and tried to step away, but he grabbed her wrist. "I think I remember you liking art. Come, I have some new paintings you might enjoy." She had a strong urge to resist him and disappear into the crowd but this opportunity to observe the Viscount was too perfect to give up.

"I'd love to," she replied smiling. She searched for Sebastian and Ciel but couldn't find them so followed him upstairs. He showed her the paintings and told each of their stories story, boring Rosalie but she nonetheless acted intrigued to stay on Alistair's good side. He poured her a glass of wine and sat next, just watching her.

"Is something the matter?" she asked, feeling uncomfortable.

"I cannot believe how quickly you became so beautiful." He leaned in and kissed her ear, nibbling softly on it.

"Er... shouldn't you be at the party? You are the host," she hastily said as she pushed him away.

"A few more minutes won't hurt. Come." He stood up and dragged her up a flight of stairs to a door. "No one will bother us here." He pressed her hard against the door, kissing her lustfully. Rosalie tried to push him off but he used all his strength to keep her there. He pulled away from the kiss and opened the door, still holding her arm with an iron grip. The room was pitch black and she could hear him shuffling behind her.

"Um... Alistair?" She was about to turn around when she felt Alistair his arms around her waist and played with her neck, leaving a trail of kisses. She felt his hand creep higher and higher up her stomach.

"It's getting late, I should go." At that moment she felt him clasp a rag over her mouth, making her feel dizzy.

Chloroform, she thought as she stomped on his foot and left his arms.

"You little bitch," he growled in pain as he came close. "Don't even bother. Everyone already thinks you're dead." The thought sunk in. It has been two, almost three years since she left. She had never sent her family a letter or even a message letting them know she was alive let alone alright. Rosalie noticed a faint light on the floor, indicating the door's position. She kicked Alistair with all her strength and ran to the door. She frantically fiddled with the handle finally opening it, when she felt something collide hard with her head. She collapsed onto the floor, losing sight of the light she had just found.

Rosalie's head ached as she felt a sharp pain shoot through it. Her senses were messed up and all she heard crowds yelling and howling like wild animals in the background. She couldn't see because of the blindfold and her hands were bound behind her back

"Sold to the fine gentleman over there." An auction? She felt movement around her and someone drag her up by the waist.

"Goodbye, bitch," she heard a familiar voice sneer, as she was pushed into another man's arms.

"You are perfect," he whispered into her ear in a sleazy tone. "Mind you, my girls don't really last long once they've had a ride with me." He licked her neck and felt her up as they walked away from the crowds. The man stopped walking and pressed her against the wall. "How about we test you out now?" He pulled out a small bottle and forced her to drink its contents. "This might make you feel a little bit funny." He discarded the vial and he began working on her dress strings, while sucking and kissing the nape her neck.

"Stop," Rosalie said, her voice hoarse and empty and whatever was in that bottle made her feel dazed and nauseous. The man did stop but only to laugh.

"Listen here, slut. You are my toy so you do what I tell you to. I'm going to let you off this time since you are new, okay?"

"Stop," she said again her tone strong. She tried shook his hands off and to walk away, still bound up. The man growled in anger and squeezed her cheeks between his hand.

"You are getting punished for that. Oh I am going to have a lot of fun." He grabbed the front of her dress as they struggled. Rosalie tried to wriggle her hands out as she blindly kicked at him, screaming. She felt his grip weaken and the man let out a howl in pain.

"Hello?" she called out, looking around blindly and still attempting to remove the restraints. "If you touch me, I will kick you to the next century."

"I'd like to see you try," a familiar voice said. Her blindfold was removed and Sebastian was in front of her, making an impatient noise. He leaned over and undid the leather straps around her wrists. "Do you go looking for trouble?"

"Yes, Sebastian dear. It is my specialty," she replied sarcastically, rubbing her wrists.

"That's a nasty looking bump," he commented. Rosalie winced when he touched it. "What happened?"

"The Viscount bastard happened. Couldn't chloroform me so he thought a metal rod was far more practical."

"You don't look like you have a concussion but we have to put some ice on that when we go home." That statement made her realise that she was hating him for no reason. He was nice, and he cared for her wellbeing. She smiled and hugged him. Sebastian stood there, stiff from shock which made her laugh.

"It is common courtesy to hug back, Sebastian." She felt him awkwardly pat her back and then push her out of his arms.

"Yes but affection from you is bizarre in itself," he answered.

"It's not affection, more so appreciation." He let out a snort of laughter and she joined in, only to feel dizzy and stumble forward, her vision blurry. Sebastian helped her up and gave her a look.

"What did you do now?"

"That insolent charlatan of a man whore gave me something to drink." She aim a hard kick to the unconscious man's face, satisfied with the noise it made against her foot. "I hope it's broken."

"It was hard enough getting the master out, but then I heard you scream."

"Sorry," she muttered.

"No it isn't your fault. And at least no serious harm was done. Well maybe his face." They both glanced at her unconscious buyer, blood pouring down from his nose. "Well we best be off." Rosalie nodded and followed Sebastian out of the building. It wasn't long before the strange liquid kicked in and she stumbled forward, falling onto the ground.

"I'm alright, I'm alright," she said as she tried to get up but her legs felt like jelly. "What the bloody hell did he give me?"

"It seems like you took some sedative or maybe a muscle relaxant. It'll wear off." Sebastian sighed and picked her up in his arms, bridal style.

"Wha- What are you doing?"

"You are obviously incapable of walking on your own and I do not have time to keep you drunkenly bounce off walls."

"But I'm heavy," she mumbled in her defence but found herself wrapping her arms around his shoulders and resting her head on his muscular chest, falling asleep surrounded by his familiar scent.

Rosalie lay in bed, unable to sleep. The muscle relaxer had worn off and her head stung, as picked up the now melted ice pack and grumbled. She was unable to get Alistair's words out of her head.

"Everyone thinks that you are dead." She could still hear his bitter voice telling her the horrible truth. She whimpered and covered her ears at the sound of thunder shaking her room and a flash of lighting illuminated it with an eerie light. Rosalie sat up in bed, thinking of something to distract herself with. She remembered how her mother and father used to let her stay in their bed and sing to her to distract her from the thunderstorm. Unable to sleep and needing something to focus on, she slipped out of bed, lit a lantern and left her room to find something to occupy her time with. She went to the kitchen to get more ice for her head. As she was went back to the room, the sound of thunder grew progressively louder as she sang an old nursery rhyme to distract herself.

"Hush, little baby, don't say a word.
Papa's gonna buy you a mockingbird." A roar of thunder bounced along the walls and she clutched the lantern tighter and sung louder.
"And if that mockingbird won't sing,
Papa's gonna buy you a diamond ring
And if that diamond ring turns brass,
Papa's gonna buy you a- Ah!" A gust of wind blew out her candle and a flash of lighting lit up the hallway, cascading twisted shadows along the walls followed by the another rumble of thunder. She squeaked in fear and began to walk faster, now singing a little louder and faster.

"Rosalie." She felt a hand lightly touch her shoulder. Not knowing what to do, she screamed and ran.

Into a wall.

She dropped her lantern and clutched her head. "Ouch. Stupid wall," she grumbled and kicked at the wall.

"What are you doing out of bed so late?" Sebastian asked.

"I need more ice," she said nonchalantly. "And you, butler?"

"I heard a someone frighteningly singing nursery rhymes." The candle he was holding created a warm glow over his face showing his snide expression.

"I was not scared," she huffed, folding her arms.

"I did not say it was you but thank you for confirming my suspicion." She stuck out her tongue when lighting flashed again, followed by thunder on cue. She squeaked, covered her ears and squeezed her eyes shut. "So you are afraid of storms? Did not think you would be afraid of a little rain."

"Oh, go away." He shrugged and turned to leave. "Wait!" She grabbed his hand and stopped him. "Don't go," she whispered and tugged on his black pyjama sleeve, embarrassed.

Sebastian let out a sigh, "If I must. Come on."

"Where are we going?"

"To get more ice." Still holding on his sleeve, Rosalie followed him to the kitchen, her eyes glued to the ground. Sebastian had never seen her like this before, so vulnerable, so scared. It wasn't until they were almost at her room when she spoke.

"Can you stay with me? I don't like being alone during storms."

"You normally hate me."

"I don't hate you," she said slowly. He raised his brow inviting her to say more. "It's just...you poke fun at me and treat me like a child." She whined and hugged herself when lightning and thunder flashed and rumbled, her eyes wide and fearful.

"You just proved my point."

"I understand if you want to go back to bed. I should too."

"Yes, I would like to go back to bed but I don't think it is the wisest thing to do when you are in such a state of-"

"Don't say weakness."

"I was going to say fragility." She opened the door to her room and Sebastian took a seat on the chair while Rosalie sat under the covers, holding the pack on the bump at the back of her head. "How do you normally get through a storm?"

"My parents used to sing to me or tell me stories."

"I'm not singing for you."

"I didn't ask you to. Also I had this yellow stuffed rabbit which had really long and floppy ears and was- why am I telling you this?"

He shrugged as he watched her squeeze her pillow tight in her arms. "But you left home two years ago."

"My fiancée took that role." She didn't know why she was telling Sebastian, of all people, about her life but for some unknown reason she felt obliged to. "I met him around a month after my dad's death. He was not the most considerate person but he did know what I was feeling. He helped me get back on track and stayed with me until he knew I was ready to be go off on my own but I couldn't imagine being without him, so he let me to keep living with him." She smiled sadly as she remembered her husband to be. "I fell in love with him even though he said I was too young and it'll end up in tears. But I didn't care. Every time he walked in I'd have this strange feeling in my chest and I couldn't help but smile. He may have looked perfect but he wasn't. He had this problem in which he had his emotions all over his face." She let out a laugh as she remembered her short time with him. "So it didn't take long before he proposed to me."

"This is Arthur, isn't it?" She nodded. "But there is something else."

"We had set the date to be after my 18th birthday but he died a month after being engaged in a horse accident. You know, you have an uncanny resemblance to him... except Arthur had floppy brown hair and these pretty golden eyes. Actually, he was much more handsome. "

"I find that hard to believe," he smirked, arms folded.

"Well someone is a bit full of themselves." She lay down on the bed and looked up at him. "How about you? Do have any family?"

"No. I tend to be alone."

"Oh, I'm sorry. How about someone who you love?"

"No."

"Really?" He shrugged. "Not even one? Wow, butler. That's amazing."

"How is it 'amazing'?"

"Well, I just assumed that with your looks, it would be easier to find someone. Since you probably have women throwing themselves at you. So, would you care to tell me why?"
Sebastian sighed and appeared to not say anything but he hadn't seen Rosalie so excited he decided to go with it.

"Well, I'm too busy with the master's orders and the other staff's incompetence, a romance would just ruin the balance."

"It's because you haven't met anyone who makes you turn your head, right? Someone worthy of the attention of the great Sebastian." She smiled knowingly. "Don't you worry. I can say that I am pretty sure you'll find a cute little girl who can tolerate you and love your strangeness," she said before letting out a yawn.

"Do you want me to leave so you can sleep?"

"No," she answered rather too quickly. "Can you stay a little longer? If it is not too much hassle." Sebastian looked reluctant. "Please stay with me," she added sleepily as she squeezed his hand. Sebastian sighed and sat down. Even though she had the body of an adult, and her nightgown did nothing to hide it, she looked like a small child sleeping, as she clung to his hand.

Well there y'all go. Hopefully the next chapter comes out soon because I am guessing just like you. Anyway next chapter you shall meet Rosy's family or as I like to call them Fam fam.

Until next time,

Minami