A/N: Hey guys! I just got back from vacation and am finally back to writing! I've been pretty stressed out lately, and while it didn't clear my head as much as I hoped it would, it did fill my head with great ideas for the story! I hope you all enjoy the new chapter, and I can't thank you all enough for reading.

"What is the meaning of this, Sebastian?"

Sebastian stood with his head high. The evidence was in front of Ciel as clear as day, and there was no way for Sebastian to talk his way out of it.

LADY ESTHER JAMES DIES MYSTERIOUSLY IN SLEEP WITH NO PREVIOUSLY KNOWN HEALTH CONDITIONS - SEE PG. 8 FOR FULL STORY

Beside the article Ciel had found in the paper, he had also lain out an obituary and pictures.

"Sebastian, do you care to explain why Esther is in the paper's obituary?" Sebastian looked down at the papers in front of him. She was certainly a loved lass, the broken faces of Lady Esther's mother, father, and little brother showed that very clearly. 'Lady Esther James was found last week in her home in Edinburg. When she had slept hours past breakfast, her mother decided to check in on her only to find she had passed away mysteriously in her sleep. Lady Esther had no previously known health conditions.' She looked exactly as she did in death, just livelier and healthier looking. To Sebastian, she looked more lovely as a demon. Humans are unappealing looking creatures.

"Well, Sebastian?"

"I needed help, My Lord," Sebastian said finally, "She's an old friend of mine, and I knew I could count on her to get the work done."

"You've never had a problem before."

"You've become increasingly demanding...My Lord." Sebastian hesitated with a hint of annoyance. He didn't know why he was getting so defensive over Lady Esther. It would have been much easier for him to just get rid of her. She was just too helpless of a demon to cast her out. She was one of his own, and though he generally hated his own kind, she was different. She didn't deserve to be with the rest of them.

Ciel sat back in his chair and pondered, and the tension in the air could have been cut with a butter knife.

"Look," he said finally, "I don't care for the idea of hiding another one of you lot. That being said, Esther is most definitely a competent servant. If you truly think it's needed, we can keep her on board." Sebastian raised a hand to his chest, about to bow. "However," Ciel interrupted, "you have to keep an eye on her. No funny business, Sebastian, I mean it. I don't need any more attention drawn to me. That's an order."

Again, Sebastian brought a hand to his chest and completed his bow. "Yes, My Lord." Sebastian grabbed the papers and pictures and rolled them up. As he turned and walked away, Ciel teased, "If I can't let you keep a cat in the manor, I can at least let you keep a lady."

As Sebastian walked out the door and closed it, he felt a powerful surge of dislike rise up.

"Brat."

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Sebastian opened the door to Mei Rin and Esther's quarters. They were sitting on their beds looking like they were having a rather interesting chat.

"Excuse me, Mei Rin, but may I borrow Miss Esther for a moment?" They both looked at him curiously.

"Of course, Sebastian!" Esther replied. She stood up and began walking toward him, "I'll be back in a few minutes, Mei Rin," With that, they walked out, and Sebastian made sure the door was fully closed.

"The Young Master found this today," he said handing her the papers. "Not to worry, he says he'll still let you stay here with us." Esther took the papers and opened them up. An obvious spark of sadness filled her eyes as she read. "My obituary..." She looked it over a few more times. "So...I died, then."

"I suppose so." Sebastian said with a hint of sympathy. For some reason, her sadness made him feel sad as well. Esther lowered the papers and looked up at him. "I always assumed my body came with me when I became a demon. I don't know." She lowered her head and Sebastian noticed she looked like humans do when they're about to cry. No tears came out though. Demons can't cry. "My mother must be so upset. My little brother too. He needed me." She said finally.

"They'll be alright, My Lady."

"You're right Sebastian." She frowned, then glanced over the back page of the paper. "Oh my...Sebastian!" She frantically flung the papers into his face, "It's him! He's alive!"

Sebastian grabbed the papers and looked at them. It was an interview from a man who knew Esther. Beside the article was a picture of what he assumed was the man. He was lying in a hospital bed. He looked very sickly, but he was smiling brightly, almost as if he has accomplished something. It said his name was Carter Jacobson, and he had known Esther since childhood. He had been battling Tuberculosis for a while, but he 'fought so hard to stay alive for her.' He claimed to be very close to Esther, and was 'devastated by her untimely death.'

"No!" Esther exclaimed, "We were not close! This is his fault, he did this to me!" Her legs collapsed under her, and she sat on the floor, face buried in her hands. Sebastian was surprised by her outburst. She was always so cheerful and calm, but now, she was on the floor, hysterical.

Suddenly, Sebastian scooped her up into his long arms and held her there. He couldn't stand seeing her so unhappy. Esther opened her eyes and looked over Sebastian's shoulder. His soft black hair tickled her face. He was comfortable, and he held her tight. Despite her comfort, she couldn't help but notice it wasn't warm like hugs she'd had in life. While it may not have been warm, it was one of the most wonderful embraces she'd ever experienced. For the first time since she'd been turned, she felt safe. He held her tighter for a moment, then let her go. He put a hand on her face and looked straight into her eyes. His eyes were a Jasper red, and had a slight glow like an ember about to be extinguished.

"That's him?" He asked with dead, seriousness.

"Yes?" Esther responded confused.

"Excuse me." For a moment, his Jasper eyes sizzled into a demonic purple. He stood up with a blank, serious expression on his face, and walked away. Esther sat in her confusion for a moment before getting up and faking a cheery expression.

"Sorry, Mei Rin," She said as she opened the door. She closed it and sat back down on the bed. "Anyway, I'm sure he likes you. A little case of far-sightedness shouldn't matter to him. Sebastian is a perfectly wonderful person, you know."

A/N - I hope you enjoyed it! If you did, don't be afraid to review, sub, favorite, or whatever you'd like to do. I hope you all have a wonderful day!