JO here...

I've come to accept that long chapters are my thing. In original works, that means chopping things in halves, for fanfiction, that's great news as you lovely readers get to read more per update. Also, this particular chapter has some fluff. Enjoy~!

EDITED 10/3/17

Disclaimer: I do not own Kuroshitsuji

10. A Soiree and The Special Secret Surprise Inside

They looked like tiny ants as they walked underneath her window three story high.

The girl stared at the strangers curiously, part of her wanting to go and interact with them and another part scared that they'll run away or sleep forever. She sighed, her stomach beginning to rumble.

She was hungry.

She got off the bed and wandered over to the big white box with cool air and tasty things inside; except she couldn't reach the handle, her fingertips brushing it just barely. She stopped and scowled. Now how was she supposed to get food?

Her stomach rumbled again and she briefly wondered where he was.

He'd gone out that morning and told her to stay put. He didn't say where he was going, but she really hadn't cared. Her brown eyes shifted over to the door. He had locked it. He said he didn't want her to wander out and make a mess again.

She was uncomfortable with him yet his presence felt familiar for some reason, as though it were normal for him to do what he does.

And at least she wasn't alone anymore, or in a cage with weird men yelling at her and showing her their silver shiny, sharp sticks. And she was no longer covered in dirt and red, plus her feet didn't hurt anymore from walking around barefoot.

He had washed her and brought her clean new pretty clothes with no rips or stains on them. He had combed her hair which used to be dirty and tangled. He had given her shiny black shoes with white socks. And she wasn't starving anymore. She wasn't scared, alone, dirty, and confused.

And most of all, she felt safe.

He was pretty too, she admitted to herself as she looked out the window again. She liked his red brown eyes, pretty smile and pale skin. He talked funny, but his voice sounded nice. He was really tall, making her feel infinitely small. He was nice and smiled but when he did it to other people, it looked fake to her.

Something caught the girl's attention and she squinted, looking at a dark tall figure from across the street. He had on weird dark clothes and was looking straight at her. She stared back, wondering who he was. A car passed, blocking her view briefly. She looked again and found the man gone.

The door to the small apartment opened and he entered.

He looked strange, like he had just discovered something unpleasant. He found her sitting on the bed, staring out the window. He held out his hand.

"Come, we must leave. It isn't safe here anymore."

The girl shifted and crawled over to him where he scooped her up and held her as they walked out of the apartment. Then everything around her became blurry. The only solid thing was the man holding her. She tugged at his shirt. He looked at her and she pointed towards her mouth. He smiled.

"Hungry are you? I'll fetch you something to eat when we're safe again, little one."

I opened my eyes, staring ahead as I tried to find my mind. I blinked, yawning as I sat up, my mind taking me to the dream I had.

Huh, it was actually rather cute when you got past the disturbing bit. Already my mind was forgetting most of it and pretty soon I forgot what it was even about.

I looked around and noticed that the room was dark. I was impressed that I woke up before Sebastian got here again. I smiled before laying back against the pillow, allowing time to flow by.

Eventually Sebastian came in. I stuck out my tongue at him in triumph. "I told you I had my moments."

He smiled. "Yes, some of the time. The young master is awake?" he asked as he parted the curtains, letting the sunlight shine through.

"Ugh, stupid sun. And no. He's still sleeping."

I turned over and looked at Ciel's sleeping form, which by the way, was clutching my waist for dear life. I frowned when I noticed his face. I shook his shoulder gently.

"Ciel? Oh Ciel?" I whispered to him.

His breathing came out faster and that's when I looked at Sebastian in alarm. Was his asthma acting up?

I know the Jack the Ripper fight was only a few days ago, but he couldn't possibly get sick so late could he? Sebastian came closer to the bed and tried waking Ciel.

"Maybe it's a nightmare," I told him, remembering that in the manga, after Madame Red's funeral, he had had a nightmare and had brandished his pistol at Sebastian when he was startled awake.

Hey wait…had he been sleeping with a pistol every time I slept with him?

"Young master…young master—"

Ciel's eyes snapped open and with a speed I didn't know he possessed, he took his pistol out from under his pillow and pointed it at Sebastian's forehead.

I gasped and sat still. So he did have a pistol under there! Dude that thing could have fired off while we slept! Ciel was wide eyed as he panted in alarm.

"Ciel!" I said. He looked at me. "Guess what? I won this time."

He gave me a WTF expression. I smiled and patted his head. "I woke up first this time, silly. So…how about you put the gun away and we celebrate with cake?"

Ciel realized what I was trying to do and immediately looked guilty.

"I'm sorry," he said, referring to the pistol. "I didn't mean to startle you. And no cake, it's too early for that."

I blinked. Did Ciel, lover of sweets, just say what I think he said?

"What are you talking about? It's never too early to have cake. It's better if you eat it for breakfast, sweetens the day up."

Sebastian, recovered from the initial surprise, smiled pleasantly now.

"Maybe for another time," he suggested. "For today's morning tea, I have prepared Assam with plenty of milk and at Miss Hero's request, hot water."

"Water?" Ciel eyed me as if I were insane.

"Hey, don't judge. It is scientifically proven that drinking water first thing in the morning is a healthy way of living; releases all the negative toxins in the body from the night before. Plus you'll feel energized. You should try it."

He wrinkled his nose. "I'll stick to my tea."

I shrugged, smirking at him. Suit yourself.

Sebastian chuckled at our exchange. "In any case, at least for this morning, the milk will serve to relax you, young master. It'll calm you down, especially after a bad dream."

Ciel accepted the cup mulishly but drank anyways.

"Cheer up," I told him as I finished sipping my hot water. "Bad dreams happen to everyone. I remember this one nightmare where I was chased by the zombie apocalypse." I shuddered. "Never again."

"I wonder what goes on in your head, but I know if I asked, I'd regret it later," Ciel commented absently.

Sebastian noticed a book by Ciel's pillow and picked it up.

"Maybe you wouldn't have had such a dream if you hadn't read Poe, my lord," Sebastian supplied.

"Ooh, I love him!" I said as I returned the cup to the hovering demon butler. "Too bad he's dead though; I would have loved to cheer him up some."

Ciel continued to sip nonchalantly. "I do as I please Sebastian. Now what's the schedule for today?"

Now you're probably wondering how the three of us could be acting so normal after the huge blow out between Sebastian and Ciel regarding me just a few days ago.

Well, it's simple:

Madame Red-who by the way decided to stay with us for the time being (and she knew that I now knew that Ciel and Sebastian had a thing for me. How? I begged her to help me out with the situation since Amanda was absent)-had suggested a wooing match.

It was to last for one year and the two suitors had to compete with each other to try to woo me into falling in love with one of them. Whoever I picked in the end won my hand-did she mean marriage? I swear she's determined to have me married off after I told her I was sixteen; the Madame was relentless-and the loser had to just suck it up and find other fishes in the sea.

Of course she didn't know I was Sebastian's demon mate, but the gracious butler agreed to the competition. Both parties signed, including myself (I was kind of forced to) and Madame Red had laughed, quite evilly, as she had the contract locked away. Ciel managed to order Sebastian to honor the contract so no need to worry about any cheats.

After all was said and done, I realized I had the whole year to think about this, no pressure right?

Bleh.

"Today," started Sebastian. "You must review the documents sent from headquarters. And in the afternoon, the Marchioness of Midford and Lady Elizabeth will be visiting. The young master's—"

"DAMN!" Ciel and I both exclaimed simultaneously in horror.

OMFG! How could I forget that Aunt Francis was visiting today? Today? Which means…it was Ciel's thirteenth birthday and I had absolutely NOTHING to give him!

I jumped off the bed and fled the room in haste. Ciel did the same except he fumbled to undress.

Sebastian looked clueless as to what exactly his young master and demon mate were frantic about.

"Begin preparations at once!" Ciel demanded.

The demon butler smiled. "You do not need to hurry so. The Marchioness will be here this afternoon—"

"Fool!" Ciel exclaimed. "We're talking about Aunt Francis here!"

"Madame Red! Madame Red!" I shouted as I rushed into the woman's room. "You have to help me!"

The woman in red stirred from the bed sleepily. She groggily sat up and squinted, registering it was me before she laid back in bed.

"Isn't it a little too early?"

"Sebastian tends to wake Ciel and I up early. Country time and all that."

Madame Red groaned. I hastily approached and shook her shoulder.

"Come on city girl," I urged. "Rise and shine! Aunt Francis is coming this—"

Before I could finish that sentence, Madame Red sat up straight like a jack in the box.

"Francis you say? Huh. That's right…today is…" Madame Red trailed off and got out of bed quickly, calling for Mey-Rin. "So what was it you needed?"

"Help? Since Aunt Francis is coming I—"

"Say no more! I know exactly what you mean and what needs to be done. But I hope you realize that my help comes with a price?"

I gulped, fearing that gleam in her eyes.

Oh boy…

Outside the manor a cheerful Finny ran back to the manor in great spirits.

His work at weeding the garden was finished with minimal damage. He breathed in the cool crisp morning air and smiled, his cheeks rosy as the wind whipped past him.

"Aaah, I'm so glad Mister Sebastian, Miss Hero and the young master are back!" he said to himself.

If they hadn't arrived back in time, well, one can imagine the ruinous state the Phantomhive manor would have been in, the trio huddling close together in tears while a calm Tanaka sipped his tea as though nothing were the matter.

I wonder what would've happened to us if they hadn't, Finny secretly wondered. But his thoughts didn't stay there for too long. His attention was diverted by the bright red colors of a rose bush.

"Ah! The Christmas Roses are blooming!" he exclaimed in joy. "Soon, it'll be Christmas, huh—ah!"

Finny suddenly remembered something important and rushed back to find the others. The others were sitting down in the kitchen inside the manor below stairs, basically chilling as Miss Hero would say.

"You guys! You guuys! Omigosh!"

"What is it Finny?" grumbled Bard as his head rested against the table, looking exhausted from a night's hard work of sleep. "…this early in the morning. Quiet down, wouldja?"

Mey-Rin was just about to leave, having been called to help assist Madame Red and Hero.

"What happened, hmm?" she said, curious.

"Sheesh! Have all of you forgotten? Today's a special day!"

They all turned toward the calendar tacked to the kitchen wall that read December 14th.

"Special—?"

Not even thirty minutes later, a carriage appeared on the driveway outside the manor.

Out emerged a tall, beautiful but stern looking woman with an air of grace and ruthlessness. Behind her exited a little blonde girl, all smiles and dimples as she and her mother entered the manor familiar to them as their own.

Inside, a rather hastily dressed Ciel with unkempt hair and an amused Sebastian stood in the lobby to welcome them.

"It has been a while since I saw you last, Marchioness of Midford," greeted Ciel. "You have arrived earlier than expected today as well…"

"Spare me the formalities. You look as if you've just risen, Earl Phantomhive," commented Aunt Francis as she surveyed them with a calm but strict expression.

"No I—"

"Gosh! Ciel's cute even when he has just woken up!" exclaimed Lizzy with a squeal as she glomped him.

Ciel flushed and heard a snicker from behind. He looked back and glared at Sebastian who stood smiling innocently at him. He didn't get much time to glare before Lizzy tightened her hold on him and was practically choking him.

"You're choking me…," he tried gasping out. It wasn't until Aunt Francis sharply called her daughter's name that the girl flinched.

"Do not behave so rudely before you've even greeted. I have always told you that a lady must observe the proprieties even when she's at her mother's family home…," admonished Aunt Francis.

Lizzy gaped in horror "I-I'm sorry, mother!"

"Dearest Francis!" called a voice from the stairs.

Everyone turned to look at a prim and proper, but still scarlet looking Madame Red as she came down the stairs to greet her sister-in-law.

"And littlest Elizabeth, how are you two dears?"

Aunt Francis nodded in acknowledgement. "Angelina."

"Aunty Ann!" cried Lizzy as she wandered over to the foot of the stairs. "I didn't know you'd be here!"

"But of course!" Madame Red said with a flourish. "I decided to take a break from the hospital scene in London. The country is so refreshing!"

They all heard a snort from behind Madame Red. Everyone but Madame turned to look.

A proper Victorian lady minus the fair complexion, dressed in big sleeves, svelte gloves and ruffles with not a hair out of place (sort of, that loose curl on the forehead refused to be tamed) descended silently down the stairs at a sedate elegant pace. Anyone who recognized and was acquainted with the girl stared in shock at the one hundred eighty degree transformation before their eyes.

"Oh Hero darling! You're here!" greeted Lizzy as she rushed toward the older girl.

After somehow regaining consciousness, I found myself down the grand staircase in the manor lobby, facing a happy Lizzy as she spoke animatedly.

I smiled and inwardly winced at the strain on my midsection. I now knew how Ciel and all Victorian women of the era felt about corsets, but to be honest, I wasn't complaining as hard as I should be.

Why? Because my bust actually looks bigger! Huzzah!

"Hey Lizzy. Great to see you again."

Aunt Francis turned toward Ciel. "Young man, you've been remiss in your duty as host. Close that mouth and introduce us."

Ciel, whose mouth had been open as he gaped at how different I looked dressed properly (and he did mean properly, with the exception of my chest, which somehow looked bigger), closed his mouth quickly and cleared his throat, a slight blush present on his otherwise indifferent expression.

"Aunt, this is Miss Hero Sanders, she's a business partner of mine from America. She'll be staying with me for some time. Hero this is my aunt, the Marchioness of Midford."

Oh boy, the moment of truth. I smiled at Aunt Francis and curtseyed as best I could. "How do you do Marchioness Midford?"

The woman inspected me critically. I mentally sweated bullets under her intense gaze. There was a reason why I had asked Madame Red to help me today. I knew how strict Aunt Francis upheld the Victorian morale, except when it came to sword fighting.

"You're American yet you hold a Mediterranean look," Aunt Francis observed. "How old are you?"

"Sixteen. And it's the Hispanic blood that makes me look this way."

She arched a brow. "Hispanic? How interesting. Americans are quite curious, but nevertheless, you look acceptable, my dear. I approve."

I grinned. I passed inspection and my boobs still looked big; huzzah!

Sebastian cleared his throat, bringing our attention to him.

"Now that the introductions are over, I formally welcome Marchioness and Lady Elizabeth to the manor. You have traveled a great distance…," he trailed off as Aunt Francis continued to stare at him with a rather stern expression. She immediately got closer, her face even more menacing up close. "Ah…erm…might there be something on my fa—"

"You look…," interrupted Aunt Francis suddenly. "Lecherous!"

He blinked and Ciel and I tried suppressing our laughter, although for me it partially hurt to do so (you can guess why). Sebastian ignored us and looked at Aunt Francis apologetically.

"I'm afraid I was born this way—"

"Moreover!" she interrupted again, grabbing his bangs and startling the poor demon butler (and Ciel) as he stared at her in shock. "Both you and your master are sporting long bangs, though your both male! How unseemly! You need to learn a thing or two from Tanaka here!"

"Hoh, hoh, hoh," said the former Phantomhive butler as he appeared beside me.

I giggled behind my gloved hand as Sebastian and Ciel were given a "makeover". Madame Red and I looked at each other and winked.

Three minutes later, both Sebastian and Ciel had their hair combed back forcefully, so much so that their never before seen foreheads were shining. I turned around and laughed evilly inside my mind. This was too funny!

"I apologize for troubling you…Aunt Francis," Ciel stated as he trembled in some emotion between embarrassment and shocked chagrin.

"Hmpf! Indeed," she declared, comb still in hand as she stared at them.

Behind her Lizzy looked out of sorts. "They don't look too cute," she mumbled shyly.

"Well this certainly is a new look for you Ciel," commented Madame Red.

I smiled as I approached them and patted Ciel on the back. "It could have been worse, plus you don't look too bad. And Sebastian, slicked back hair? Read my lips h-o-t."

Sebastian smirked before slightly bowing. Ciel looked ticked, glaring at Sebastian for taking the lead in this little competition of theirs. I smiled at both boys and looked at Aunt Francis.

Lady Francis, the younger sister of the former Earl Phantomhive, is a strict disciplinarian, and detests the forces of habit and desire. She values strength and purity.

The rumor goes that at the Queen's fencing tournament, Lady Francis defeated the head of the order of knight—The Marquess of Midford—with (superhuman strength) which led to their marriage. Though now married, she still trains daily and has maintained her youthful strength and beauty.

She is quite the (outrageous) noblewoman.

No bullshit.

Aunt Francis crossed her arms. "I drop in on you and you're still a layabout, not to mention that your butler still looks indecent."

I coughed behind my glove to disguise the giggle that threatened to escape. Sebastian didn't know quite how to react to that confession. But of course, his amazing hot looks would look indecent, no matter how prim and proper he was made to look.

"You are to marry my daughter!" Aunt Francis declared without preamble. Ciel stiffened and my amusement was wiped clear off my face.

What a way to remind people. And Aunt Francis only reinforced the glaring fact that Ciel and Lizzy would end up together and I would be known as "The Other Woman".

I frowned at that. It was sort of ironic because whenever I watch my Spanish soaps I would complain about "The Other Woman" and how she needed to freakin' disappear so the hero and heroine can be happy.

Amanda could usually be found next to me on the couch, painting her nails and ignoring the TV (she didn't understand Spanish) and telling me to get both a boyfriend and a life.

Funny how life works huh?

As for Ciel, I saw him stand silently, probably realizing that if he didn't do or say something soon, Sebastian was going to win and he'd lose me forever. When he tightened his fist, I frowned in concern.

Just how was he going to break his change of heart to his aunt and Elizabeth? Especially Elizabeth. I'm sure he didn't want to upset her but no doubt the girl would take the news hard.

I wondered if Ciel choosing to go with the whole "hand in marriage" thing was a wise idea. Especially in this strict no-nonsense era.

Aunt Francis continued her tirade, breaking Ciel and I from our thoughts.

"On this day of days, your reformation begins! Nothing will escape my notice, is that clear? We'll start with the manor! A disorderly home reflects a distracted mind!"

Sebastian, looking a little too cheerful, spoke up. "Then allow me to guide you."

Ciel tugged at his sleeve, a little worried at what his aunt might find.

"H-Hey…," he whispered worriedly.

Sebastian looked back and smirked mildly. I fanned my face. Sexy face alert!

"Leave it to me. I made certain everything was perfect yesterday," Sebastian reassured.

He led everyone to the far right, intending to show them the inner courtyard. I paused and stroked my invisible non-existent beard. Maybe I should warn Sebastian about Finny.

"I will first show you the inner courtyard. This year, the winter roses we ordered from Germany are quite lovel—"

What awaited Sebastian's eyes was the sight of Finny cutting off all the roses from their stems in a rather cheerful manner. I clutched my corset encased stomach and tried not to smile as Sebastian quickly shut the door and turned to face Aunt Francis with a beautiful composed smile.

"My mistake," he announced. "I wanted to show you the living room first."

"Why? Now that we're here we can begin with the inner courtyard—"

"The living room, I insist." Sebastian asserted as he led everyone away from Finny and his mess and nearer to the living room.

Ciel was looking gloomy. Something must have happened, he thought.

I walked beside him and grabbed his hand, smiling to reassure him that in the end everything was going to work itself out, but just not right now. Ciel looked at me and smiled slightly, his hand tightening around mine as we walked behind Madame Red, Aunt Francis, and Sebastian.

Lizzy stayed a little behind, noticing Ciel hold my hand as we followed the group. She frowned, warning bells setting off in her mind. She recognized jealousy creeping up again and she squashed the emotion away.

There was nothing to be jealous of, she thought to herself.

Absolutely nothing.

I wasn't aware of Lizzy's not-really-paranoia-actually-happening-you're-jealous thoughts and feelings starting to bombard her as she stared at my hand linked with Ciel's. In fact, I was sort of wondering when lunch time would come around seeing as I skipped breakfast to let Madame Red stuff me into the corset. Other than water and a small piece of bread, I hadn't eaten anything. Shocking! Even more thought provoking was how I was able to move in this dress.

Let's rewind a little and see how I even got into this thing in the first place.

After agreeing to Madame Red's price (she just wanted to dress me herself) I was put into a stay, or chemise if you will, then forced into the famous whale bone corset with the help of Mey-Rin (Madame Red even put her foot against my back to tighten the blasted thing further). After that, I was trussed into a dress with so many layers and ruffles that I feared looked ridiculous on me. Madame Red had insisted that I looked adorable and proper.

All the last buttons and laces were tied and eventually my hair was styled into a respectable semblance of order with a bow to finish it off. Another ribbon was tied around my neck, heeled boots were put on, gloves, and before I knew it, I was standing in front of a mirror, staring at the reflection of a rather pretty girl dressed appropriately and as fashionable as the time period dictated.

Of course, I wasn't breathing much, but when I noticed how my boobs looked bigger and showed a hint of cleavage, I screwed breathing and decided to endure this.

After all, beauty was pain.

I snapped out of my reverie when Sebastian stopped at a set of double doors.

"The living room was just revamped the other day," he said. "We ordered a most handsomely patterned wallpaper from France—"

What awaited his sight was a hysteric Mey-Rin accidentally dropping dishes where they eventually shattered to millions of pieces. Sebastian closed the door before another millisecond could pass. He turned around and faced Aunt Francis with that beautifully composed face of his.

"My mistake. Why do you not take tea in the conservatory?"

"Why? We came to look at the living room,"

"Tea, I insist," Sebastian asserted once more as he led everyone away from Mey-Rin and the mess she was creating. Ciel looked even more blue, if that was possible, and I couldn't help but pounce on him.

"Cheer up, the worst has yet to come," I whispered to him merrily. He gave me a look that said "that wasn't helping at all". I giggled softly and Ciel found that he quite liked it when I laughed.

It had a pleasant sound to it that somehow made him more…content (when I later found out this tidbit, I was thoroughly confused as my laughter sounds like a dying hyena). Suddenly Ciel's right arm was overtaken by a firm grasp. Ciel and I looked over to find a smiling Lizzy clinging to his arm.

"Isn't it nice seeing each other again?" she whispered in a hushed voice.

Was it me or did things get awkward really fast?

Ciel and I nodded nervously. I quickly let him go. The loss of contact had Ciel frowning slightly but he said nothing.

Something was definitely going to have to be done, he thought as Lizzy's hold remained. He saw me walk a little further ahead.

"Due to Miss Hero's insistence," Sebastian explained to Aunt Francis, facing the entire group. "We just had the most exquisite oranges delivered from Spain so perhaps a Shalimar tea from Dimbula—"

An explosion from behind Sebastian had us all stopping and staring. I gasped and looked in horror as the oranges I had Sebastian get were destroyed as they flew into the air. So much for having orange juice at lunch today.

I mentally cried at the devastation and cursed Bard for his firearms and myself. I mean, how could I forget that the man was going to destroy them?

Sebastian on the other hand stayed silent, face still beautifully composed.

Aunt Francis crossed her arms. "Let me guess, yet another mistake?" Sebastian bowed in apology. "What an indecisive man!"

Madame Red frowned. "Really Sebastian, I don't know what's come over you."

"I beg your forgiveness," he said. "One such as I—" Sebastian stopped when he noticed Hero mouthing something at him. As he read her lips it sounded like she was saying horses and—ah. Of course. "I had forgotten that there was something else I wanted Marchioness to see."

"…?"

"Though it is no place to be guiding a lady…let us visit the stables."

Stables. Pfft. Yeah right.

This place was bigger than my apartment. I looked around in wonder as I followed the group. To my surprise, it didn't smell bad in here. It had a more earthy and straw smell to it with a hint of leather rather then straight maneuver.

Sebastian stood beside a rather beautiful and…blue-ish horse?

"How do you like this, Marchioness? We sent for a horse with a magnificent bluish-black coat to serve as our master's steed. We've been looking forward to the day you might take a look at it."

I pointed at the horse. "It's blue. The horse is really blue."

Madame Red chuckled. "I believe you've stated the obvious my dear."

"Does it have a name?" I asked Sebastian.

"The young master has yet to name him," Sebastian supplied.

I turned to Ciel, who looked at me with cluelessness.

"What?" he said.

"Don't you 'what' me mister! If you didn't give the horse a name then by default I get to name him."

He shrugged. "Go ahead."

I grinned, clapping my hands in excitement.

"Okay! You said it yourself! The name stays and that's final." I faced the horse seriously this time and pointed at him again. "I now christen you as Sir Blueberry Truffle."

Ciel gave me the WTF expression again, along with everyone really.

"What kind of a name is that?" he demanded.

I huffed and crossed my arms. "An awesome one." The horse neighed in an excited manner. "See? Even he likes it. Don't you Sir Blueberry Truffle?"

Ciel face palmed. "Of course. What was I expecting from a girl who names her dog Noodle?"

To be fair, Noodle already came with his name when Phil and I adopted him. I loved him so much that I let the name stay. It was just meant to be.

Sebastian wisely kept silent on my choice of name. After much wide eyed doll glances and pouty lips, Ciel sighed, exasperated.

"I'll keep the name if you promise to not say it again in a childish tone," he muttered.

I whopped, glomping a startled Ciel. "Oh you kind child you!"

Hmm, was it me or was my back burning from behind? I decided to let Ciel go and rejoin Madame Red's side.

"I think it's a cute name!" Lizzy declared with an upbeat smile as she neared Ciel.

Aunt Francis had noted the little exchange between Ciel and I, but instead chose to get near the horse for further inspection. "Despite its new…unique name, this horse is fine indeed. The hip is sturdy and it looks well. I have it! Ciel, say we do a little hunting together?"

Ciel looked surprised. "With you, Aunt Francis?"

"It'll be a good opportunity to see what kind of man my daughter's fiancé is," she stated.

Ciel stiffened again and I coughed, looking away.

Then Aunt Francis smirked. "Or is hunting too demanding for the Earl Phantomhive who possesses a constitution more common to the fairer sex?"

Okay, I laughed aloud at that one. How could I not? Aunt Francis was calling him a girl!

"Ooh, she just called you out Ciel. Watcha gonna do about it now?" I taunted, smiling.

Ciel kept his poker face as he stared his aunt down. "Very well. Sebastian, prepare for the hunt."

Aunt Francis smirk was firm in place. "The game is afoot, Ciel!"

It was decided that they would hunt.

Madame Red joined in with enthusiasm while I patted Ciel's back and told him to have fun because I'll be watching from the safety of the ground with Lizzy and Sebastian.

As much as I liked horses, I preferred riding my bicycle. Nothing beats those slick wheels.

About thirty minutes later, everyone got dressed appropriately as they prepared for the hunt.

I simply grabbed a shawl and bonnet Madame Red had chosen for me. Before long I found myself walking beside Sebastian who led the way. Lizzy was perched with Ciel on his horse as he rode in the lead for Aunt Francis and Madame Red to follow.

"Well this should be fun," I told him. "It'd be even better if I could actually walk faster but this corset is pushin' it."

Sebastian smirked. "But it does highlight certain tempting assets."

I looked down at my chest and grinned. Could I fault him for his observation?

"I know right? Nina said a corset would make them look bigger. I never really imagined it but hot damn was she right!"

Sebastian smiled pleasantly, agreeing with his demon mate entirely. He ignored the burning sensation bearing down at his back with such vehemence that he wondered his coat didn't catch fire.

"Sebastian," he heard his young master call out.

He smirked inwardly as he placed his poker face for the viewing public. He knew what his young master wanted: to start the hunt and get away from Hero.

"Yes, sir. Young master, this way."

"Does your butler double as a hound?" called Aunt Francis.

"He…is sort of like that," Ciel replied.

"Now then, we shall begin here," Sebastian announced, turning around to face the hunters. "The rules are as follows: maintain your territory, twenty-five meters on either side and avoid shooting at birds flying then the lower prescribed altitude, are we agreed?" They all nodded. "The game is now underway. The time limit shall be three hours"

Aunt Francis didn't waste any time. "See you, Ciel, Angelina!"

And off she rode.

"Good luck!" called Ciel's favorite aunt as she galloped away.

We all looked at their retreating form. Ciel looked at Lizzy.

"Lizzy, get off here. I can't hunt otherwise."

She looked distressed.

"Eh? But we finally get to spend time together!"

Her eyes darted toward Hero, who was currently watching the spot Madame Red and Aunt Francis rode off to. She didn't want to admit it, but she was rather jealous that Hero was so familiar with Ciel when she didn't even know him long enough.

Lizzy had been with the blunette ever since they were children and yet she was never so familiar. Lizzy wanted to spend as much time with Ciel as she could and as things stood at the moment, that seemed almost impossible now.

And Lizzy had a sinking suspicion that her desired relationship with Ciel was evaporating like smoke.

Two shots were heard in the distance.

"1-1-nil," Sebastian announced seriously.

I turned around to look at Ciel and Lizzy. "You better get going Ciel or Aunt Francis and Madame Red are gonna beat you."

Sebastian smirked. "As expected of the Marchioness, she has already shot a bird. Even Madame Red is quite the marksman."

"I'll say," I added. "And she's a city girl too."

"It seems she and the Marchioness will be quite the formidable opponent, even for you young master, hm?" Sebastian taunted.

Ciel narrowed his eyes and without warning pointed his gun upwards and pulled the trigger. The startled Lizzy shrieked and I winced slightly. Ow my ears man! I jumped back when a dead bird fell onto the earth with a thud.

Whoa!

Ciel smirked. "Too bad for Aunt Francis and Madame Red but I'm not very good at losing any kind of game."

I smiled at him. "Well, you'd better get moving mister. I don't want you to shame Sir Blueberry Truffle's flawless reputation."

Ciel arched a brow but curved his lips to show a hint of a smile, an action Lizzy caught. Ciel then looked at his fiancee as he and Sebastian helped her get off.

"Lizzy, its dangerous here so stay with Sebastian and Hero, all right? Sebastian, makes sure nothing happens to them. And Hero, try not to attract trouble."

I huffed. "Me attract trouble? Since when?"

Ciel gave me a smirk before he left.

I placed my hands on my hip as I looked after him with admiration and indignation. They grow up so fast. I turned to Lizzy and found that she had been looking at me. Her eyes held an unreadable expression.

I froze slightly. Was she suspecting that Ciel had feelings for me? Speaking of, how was he going to sort all this out because I refuse to be "The Other Woman". Wait, did I really just think that? As in, actually consider Ciel as a future...what? Boyfriend? Oy. I'm going to seriously have to sort my feelings out. This little competition is tearin' me apart!

I turned to look at Sebastian. "Now what?" I asked him.

His eyes were focused on the horizon and with his super demon hearing, of course he could hear the gunshots that fired from each person's individual rifle.

"Now we simply wait," he said.

I frowned. "Ugh. Bo-ring. This would have been much cooler if it were paintball. No animals would have been harmed in the playing of the game. I bet Ciel would have had a great time."

"Paintball?" Lizzy asked.

"A game where the players shoot at each other using guns filled with paint. Whoever gets hit is out and the last remaining player is the winner. I've played it with my friends Pepper and Steven and we had loads of fun," I told her cheerfully. "Plus it's a good way to practice your aim, in case anything ever happens."

"Oh, what an interesting game, but no doubt it'd be messy," she said.

I smiled. "Absolutely. That's why you wear special clothes for it, plus it hurts when they hit you. All that speed and stuff."

Sebastian sighed. "It doesn't surprise me that'd you play such a sport. You have a knack for attracting trouble."

I flushed. "I do not. I'm just a very athletic girl, though I may not look it."

"Athletic?" Lizzy mused. "My brother is also very athletic at school."

I smiled, remembering Edward in his little school for special elites. "Of that I have no doubt." I began to walk forward. "I'm gonna walk a little ways ahead so don't mind me."

As Lizzy watched Hero walk away and disappear into the woods, she replayed the girl's little exchange with Ciel earlier. She noticed something that she had failed to do so before.

Ciel actually looked a little…well, happier.

The thought awed the small girl as the Ciel she knew had always been somber and rather serious. It was the reason why she taxed all her time into making him smile. But though her intentions were good, they always seemed to annoy him and this fact depressed Lizzy.

She just wanted him to be happy didn't miss how Hero seemed to make Ciel appear lighter and more carefree. Before Lizzy knew it, the ugly jealous feeling invaded her again. Though she was his fiancée, she craved the closeness Ciel and Hero seemed to have.

But you're cute, you're a Marquees' daughter and you've known Ciel longer, she tried reassuring herself. After all, there's no way Ciel would pick Hero over her…right?

Lizzy sighed. "Well, I'm glad, at least a little."

Sebastian looked at her. "Oh?"

"Ciel is looking a lot happier. I don't know when it started but I'm noticing the difference since I came last time. No, it appears he's been changing slowly, even then. I just failed to realize it," Lizzy stated as she noticed Hero appear and walk back to them. "I think it might be Hero's doing."

Sebastian gave her a knowing look. "She has been a factor, I agree."

Lizzy blinked, looking a little saddened. "I wonder what I must do; if I am to keep up with her. She's such a force. Kind of like mother. It's almost impossible to outdo her."

"Then do what you can in your own power to try to be on par with her. I agree she is a force to be reckoned with but Hero's not complicated at all. She's a simple dense girl, an American, but she's genuine," Sebastian stated.

He was rather surprised that he understood this much of his demon mate. Since when had he been analyzing all the little things about her? Like the fact that he found the loose curl on her forehead appealing or the way her wide expressive eyes caught his attention when nothing else would? He brought a thumb and forefinger to his chin in thought.

"Genuine?" Lizzy repeated.

"She means what she says and she's not afraid to take action," he explained. "The thought is indeed startling, but refreshing. Hero can be naïve but she means well and wishes everyone she meets a happy life."

Lizzy smiled. "Yes. I get that from her. Oh here she comes!"

It was a shame Lizzy felt threatened by her. If she hadn't been feeling this way, she would have loved to known the girl more. She was so interesting after all!

"You guys!" I exclaimed with excitement as I arrived back, jogging the last few yards to them. "Look what I found by pure accident!"

I held out a honey comb in my gloveless hand. My mouth watered just looking at it. "I almost fell because of the corset. When I went to grab a tree trunk to steady myself, my hand grabbed this."

Lizzy looked alarmed. "Are there bees still inside it?"

I giggled. "No silly darling. It's just a shallow piece. But it still has a bucket load of honey inside it." That golden goo was seriously tempting me. "Do you think I should eat it?"

"That?" exclaimed Lizzy in shock.

"It's always better when it comes straight from the source," I told her. "When I was in Mexico, some of the other kids and I would explore the woods behind the orphanage and if we were lucky, we'd find something edible to eat. A honey comb was considered a gold mine."

"Really now," Sebastian said as he took out a handkerchief and wrapped it around the honey comb before disposing it. Gah! What a waste! "If you're that hungry, I'm happy to let you know that we'll lunch as soon as the hunt is over."

"We'd better. I still didn't get to eat anything for breakfast," I pouted, but then smiled when I saw some honey left on my fingers. If I could just lick it when they're not looking…

Lizzy and I both gaped in shock as Sebastian lifted my hand and licked the honey off my fingers. I should have been outraged that he was taking my honey except his tongue was really warm and rough. I blushed furiously, somehow finding this a little erotic.

Oh…my…gosh did I really just think that?

"S-Sebastian?"

He smirked. "There, all gone."

I wanted to hit him for that remark, but my body was still in shock. And in front of Lizzy too! Sebastian didn't waste any time man.

We all heard a few more gunshots in rapid succession. Sebastian checked his pocket watch.

"5-4-5. It is a close contest. Let us cheer them both on."

As he walked away, Lizzy wandered over.

"You know," she whispered. "I think Sebastian likes you."

Sweetie, you had no idea.

"The Marchioness shot ten pheasants, a brace of foxes, and three rabbits for a total of fifteen points. Madame Red shot eight pheasants, four foxes, and a brace of rabbits for a total of fourteen points. And the young master shot eleven pheasants, three foxes, and one rabbit for a total of fifteen points."

Madam Red pouted. "Oh blast it all! I lost! I must be getting rusty."

"I think you did you well for a city girl," I told her. "You definitely kept on par with the Marchioness and Ciel."

She sighed. "Well, when you're invited to several house parties in the country, you learn to pick up a thing or two."

Everyone was currently seated around a table Sebastian had set up in the middle of the forest (don't worry, I told Sebastian about the bear so he had the table moved from its original spot; so now nothing will interrupt lunch time).

Ciel and Aunt Francis were seated opposite each other, with Lizzy next to Ciel on his left. Madam was seated next to Aunt Francis while I sat across from her. Ciel looked gloom that we were, what? Two seats away? I waved at him merrily.

Hey, you can't have it your way all the time.

"The result," continued Sebastian. "Is a draw between the Marchioness and the young master. Is that acceptable?

"It most certainly is not! I prefer definitive results, one way or another!" exclaimed Aunt Francis, her arms crossed.

"How odd, Aunt Francis. It seems we agree on this point," replied a cool Ciel. The air between them crackled with unresolved competition.

"Now dearest Francis, Ciel, let's just settle down and have some lunch," soothed Madame Red.

And I totally agreed with her. My stomach was bitchin' and Sebastian had licked the remaining honey from my hand-I didn't even get to taste it!

"Indeed," Sebastian said smoothly. "The tie will be broken with another round this afternoon, and now, if I may…?"

Ciel's poker face was in place. "Fine."

"No complaints here," consented Aunt Francis with a smirk.

"Those poor animals," I tsked. And I don't even wanna know what they're gonna do with the carcasses. "Ah well, life sucks."

"Hmm, I suppose you have a point Miss Hero," commented Aunt Francis. She looked at Sebastian who began pouring the champagne. "We've definitely over hunted here. We'll have to find a new location for the afternoon."

"Not to worry Marchioness. Big game still lurks on these grounds," he steadily replied.

I sincerely hope he wasn't talking about the bear. I'd like to finish this lunch in peace because if I don't eat something sometime soon, I will not be a happy camper (which is rare since I'm always so eerily optimistic and happy, at least according to everyone I knew back home).

"Now that the rules have been decided, let's eat!" Lizzy announced. "This smells absolutely divine!"

She finished her statement, pause, wait at least a minute…no sign of any bear…and yes!

I smiled grandly.

"I totally agree!" I said to her.

Today's lunch consisted of steak and kidney pie and salmon sandwiches. I admit the thought of eating a kidney in a pie is unusual but my stomach is without prejudice. I had taken off my gloves earlier and now took my fork, stabbing a piece of meat.

Oh…my mouth is literally watering.

I was about to happily eat my piece when a shadow covered the table. Huh, overcast already?

Everyone gasped and stilled in horror for a second as they looked behind me. I sighed.

Oh come on! At least let me put something into my mouth!

A terrifying bear roar (did they even roar?) sounded from behind me, scaring the Spanish blood out of me and making me drop my fork. Where were the pots and pans when you needed 'em? To make matters worse, my heavy skirt and lung crushing corset hindered my attempt to run away.

I turned around to find this huge bear looming over me-and why me? Wasn't it supposed to be Lizzy? And why was the bear even here anyhow? I've never even seen a bear in real life (except for the time I went to the Metro Zoo; the bear inside its little habitat was asleep so I had quickly skipped to the reptiles) so you can imagine my utter shock at how scary this encounter was. The manga made him look tame!

"Holy—"

"Hero!"

Actually I was gonna say fish and chips, but I guess that's fine too. The bear suddenly sprung an attack at me and I panicked.

"Gyaaaah!" I yelled before someone knocked me out the way just as the bear swiped its big claws where I had been a moment ago. I clung to my savior in fright, eyes shut, and thanking God that he loved me enough to let me live through this.

A loud bang sounded and I opened my eyes. I was a little surprised to find that my savior was Ciel. We both then looked up at the bear who stiffened and fell back with a heavy thud.

Silence reigned.

Aunt Francis had a leg propped on the table, rifle pointed and smoking.

"Aunt Francis?" Ciel then laughed softly. "Heh. 16 to 15. It looks like I've lost this game."

"Hmph, you've still got at least a decade to go before you can even think of winning against me. However, I commend you for daring to protect Miss Hero with your life. You will become a fine man worthy of marrying my daughter."

Way to kill the mood lady.

As if I still wasn't suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome over here. Ciel on the other hand stiffened once more, but this time Aunt Francis noticed the action. Before her mind could come to any conclusions, I spoke up.

"What in the world is a bear even doing here?" I said, finally regaining my voice after the shock of my life (other than Ciel and Sebastian confessing to me). "I thought they only inhabited North America! This was worse than gator wrestling!"

Ciel exhaled in relief. "Well at least you're alright—wait, what? Gator wrestling?"

Everyone looked alarmed at this piece of news.

"It's when you wrestle with an alligator. Florida's famous for gators since the Everglades is practically right in our back yard," I explained as Sebastian came over and helped me up.

Wow I can't believe how helpless women are with these corsets.

"You've gone to wrestle with those beasts? Willingly? Are you really that stupid?" Ciel admonished.

"Whoa! I may be stupid, but I have common sense," I told him seriously. "I was just chasing this man for having robbed this poor pregnant woman, and in broad daylight too! When the prick pushed me, I fell into the canal. How was I supposed to know an alligator lived there? It even chomped on some of my hair. I went from waist-length hair to elbow-length. But, I managed to poke one of its eyes out. They're sensitive around that area."

The company around me looked disturbed.

Sebastian sighed as if he were grasping the straws of patience with a wayward child and Ciel muttered that he needed to put a leash on me next time.

I rolled my eyes. These people had a worst "constitution than the fairer sex" and I'm the fairer sex here!

"So how come the bear came attackin'? I certainly didn't do anything!"

Sebastian leaned in close to me and sniffed. "What scent are you wearing?"

I shrugged. "I don't know. Madame Red sprayed something on me."

"It's the newest fragrance from France," she replied proudly. "It's called Confused Love,"

What an apt way to describe my situation.

"Ooh! I've been meaning to try that one out!" Lizzy chimed in, all sparkle eyed. "The bottle is really cute and sparkly and pink too! They say that its smells of jasmine, a hint of citrus and honey!"

Everyone looked at Lizzy, then at the cheeky guilty looking Madame Red, and then at me.

"Hmm, add to the fact that you had stumbled upon some actual honey earlier and that you're wearing a corset made you an easy target to locate," Sebastian concluded.

What the hell? Was this bear supposed to be an example of Winnie the Pooh gone ferocious when it found honey in real life?

Ciel looked at me. "Didn't I say not to attract trouble?"

"Me? I didn't do anything! It was the bear! Anyways, shouldn't we get going?"

"Indeed," said Aunt Francis. "Now that the game is over and this mess here is finished, let us head back."

I found it somehow strange that I ended up riding with Ciel-the boys had vehemently refused that I walk and them against me wearing a corset? As if I could argue.

Lizzy rode with Madame Red now and Aunt Francis led the way with Sebastian, who by the way, was carrying the huge ass bear tied to a stick as if were a slim Jim! And even more odd was that no one found the situation odd.

I sighed, finding myself riding side saddle, which was another weird thing for me.

"Well, at least I'm riding Sir Blueberry Truffle," I told Ciel.

He looked blue. "I still can't believe you named him that."

I smiled. "You promised you would keep it."

"The things I do for you. So much so, in fact, that you owe me now."

I arched a brow. "Owe you?" Well he did protect me…okay, I'll give him that. "Fine, what is it you want?"

"Later. I'll tell you later."

I giggled. "That's if you remember."

Ciel smirked. "I will."

Upfront, Aunt Francis looked at Sebastian and called him over. I knew she would be exposing Sebastian's inhuman mad skills at killing the bear and allowing her to take the credit for the kill.

I looked at Ciel. Sebastian had a point though. Ciel really needed to show some humility. In this Black Butler world, he's going to need every bit of strategy and technique he can get.

As we arrived back at the manor, I quickly worried if I was going to finish my present for Ciel in time. I definitely had to hurry.

Both Sebastian and Ciel helped me down from Sir Blueberry Truffle and I couldn't help but roll my eyes again. Seriously, I wasn't a fragile China plate.

"As the hunt was a success," stated Sebastian as he opened the front doors. "I shall do my best to—"

"Ah!" Bard, Mey-Rin, Tanaka, and Finny looked toward the door as Ciel came inside. I walked in behind him and stopped short of seeing them.

"Welcome back!" they greeted, looking as if they'd returned from war.

The room behind them was covered in roses and a table had been messily laid out with suspicious yet edible looking food.

"What is with you lot?" Ciel exclaimed in confusion and surprise.

"Mey-Rin I thought I told you to tell the others not to push yourselves too hard," I chided gently. "Seriously. You guys look like you've wrestled with something."

Mey-Rin flushed. "Oh we couldn't help it. Before we knew it, we looked like this."

"Yeah, yeah! And look Miss Hero! We made this together for the young master!" Finny clamored excitedly, holding up a bowl filled with stuff a diabetic person would have died from eating.

"Huh?" was Ciel's confused response.

Finny went on to explain. "See? I decorated everything with roses!"

Bard went next. "I made donburi full up with the young master's favorites!"

"I set the table. Following Mister Sebastian's example…," Mey-Rin supplied lastly.

Sebastian and Ciel were speechless and Madame Red merely chuckled at the spectacle.

I gave them a little clap. "Well, you guys certainly did a great job. And I'm impressed you kept the house in one piece."

The trio beamed at the praise.

Sebastian and Ciel both felt a rather dark aura and they turned around to mentally gasp in shock as a murderous looking Aunt Francis stood behind them.

Oh no, they thought.

"They beat me to it. That's what I came here to say today. Happy thirteenth birthday, Ciel," said the Marchioness as she patted his head affectionately. The boy looked rather shocked.

I smiled at him. "You didn't think we'd let you forget, did you silly?"

"Indeed. I invited Francis and Lizzy over so we could celebrate together," added Madame Red. "As your favorite aunt, it was only natural I do as much."

"Favorite aunt?" Aunt Francis said with an arched brow.

Madame Red playfully dismissed her tone. "Now, now dear! We can't help the boy's choice."

Aunt Francis shook her head but smiled ruefully. "And everyone," she said, addressing, well, everyone. "I hope you will continue taking care of both my daughter and my son."

There, she noted mentally. Ciel had frozen up again, it was only briefly but nothing escaped Marchioness Midford's notice.

Ciel quickly recovered and looked at everyone before he returned his gaze to his aunt and smiled. Although it was a small one, it was still sincere.

"Thank you so much," he said.

Aunt Francis turned toward the demon butler. "Sebastian, you have my gratitude for attending to us today."

He bowed. "Yes, my lady."

"There's just one thing I thought I ought to mention."

"…?"

"Take good care of the shattered china, the ruined garden, and the burnt kitchen."

"So you knew all along?" Sebastian chuckled in slight embarrassment. "Yes, my lady."

"Party!" Finny shouted cheerfully.

"Free booze! Free booze!" Bard shouted as well.

I knocked him on the head. "Idiot! There are children present!"

Ciel looked offended. "Hey!"

Before I could get carried away, I spotted Sebastian turning away, eyes distant. I knew what that meant. I grabbed hold of his sleeve firmly. When he faced me, bewildered, I smiled cheekily before dragging him away from the doorway and further into the party.

"As much as I enjoyed seeing you smear chocolate over your lips, I don't think the cake you made should go to waste like that."

Sebastian appeared surprised by my words. He seemed to slowly get what I was referring to.

"What are you—"

"Ciel!" I called cheerfully as Sebastian and I arrived at the table laden with suspicious looking foods. "Come here!"

Ciel was being glomped by Madame Red at the current moment. When she finally let go, he wandered over, trying to regain some of the air lost. Lizzy followed him, curious as to why I called him over.

"Look Ciel!" I said, taking a covered dish and presenting it to a surprised Ciel. I lifted the silver domed lid. Sebastian was rather shocked. "Sebastian made this just for you!"

"Oh! It's so cute!" Lizzy complimented as she stared at the delicious cake. "Sebastian really is talented!"

"I know, right?"

Ciel was speechless, but nevertheless thanked Sebastian. Something tells me that that hasn't ever happened often judging by the demon butler's gobsmacked face.

The cake was later cut into several wedges and shared by all. The trio had no problem with that plan if their drooling faces were anything to go by. And I, thankfully, managed to eat something after a very long day.

Sebastian appeared beside me in an instant when I had wandered away from the others.

I smiled. "Sup."

"How did you know where I had the cake hidden, never mind made?"

"Hero Sanders here. Detective extraordinaire and resident time-traveler?" Need I say more?

Sebastian sighed. He should have known. "But why?"

"Why show Ciel the cake when Bard, Mey-Rin, and Finny had everything else taken care of? Well, why not? I mean, you worked hard on it, so it was only right that your hard work be showed off and appreciated. Besides, this is effin' delicious. It's criminal to throw it away."

Sebastian smiled ruefully. "You human creatures really are difficult to understand; to think you'd consider something like that delicious."

I forked a piece and offered it to him.

"Try it. You may think it's dull, but the thought that you would go so far only adds to its flavor. The deliciousness doesn't only come from the ingredients put in, but also from the kind thoughts and the gestures done to make it."

"Well if you put it that way…" Sebastian took my hand and guided the fork to his mouth. I blushed at the smoldering look in his eyes.

Dude! We are in public!

"I suppose you might have a point," Sebastian said with a smirk, "but it'll be sometime before I truly understand."

I looked away with red stained cheeks. "Glad you liked it," I muttered.

My eyes then caught Ciel leaving the party room with Aunt Francis and Madame Red. I wondered what that was all about. Sebastian seemed to notice as well and frowned.

"Do you know what's going on?" I asked.

"It appears my master has no intention of losing. What a bold move," he answered with a smirk. "This game is indeed becoming interesting. I shall enjoy winning all the more."

OMFG, stop speaking in riddles man! I sighed.

"Well whatever you said, I hope nothing bad happens. This being Ciel's birthday party and all—" Oh snap!

"Almost forgot!" I said to Sebastian. "I gotta finish something. Be right back!"

With that, I grabbed the heavy skirt of my dress and exited the room.

Madame Red, Aunt Francis and Ciel all sat in the drawing room. Both women faced their nephew as he looked at the carpet nervously.

Madame Red was amused, probably knowing what he was going to say but still shocked that he had nerve to request it. Aunt Francis had her suspicions as well, but she preferred hearing the facts straight from the source.

Ciel, for his part, was gearing up all his courage. He never once thought that he'd do it, but hear goes. He looked up, poker face displayed, blue eyes serious.

"Aunt Francis, I want to call off my engagement to Lizzy."

Both ladies had their eyes wide open.

He actually said it, Madame Red thought, he really is serious about Hero.

Aunt Francis fixed her composure quickly. "And may I inquire as to why and so suddenly?"

He fisted his hands. "I know that my duty was to marry Lizzy ever since I had been a child, but there are things that have changed. Myself for one. And another…," he trailed off, not certain how to say it.

"Would be Miss Hero?" Aunt Francis prompted.

Ciel blushed lightly but nodded, clearing his throat. "Yes. I have found myself, erm, very interested in pursuing her hand. In fact, I'm very serious about her. I don't think it right that I court her whilst engaged. And this thought isn't sudden. I've been thinking about my engagement for some time and I admit I love Lizzy, but the feelings are those of a dear cousin whom I grew up with. I apologize for my boldness but it is something that I have decided and stand firm in."

Madame Red smiled wrly. "They really grow up fast don't they, Francis?"

Aunt Francis sighed. "Indeed. Though the request is sudden, I feared this might have happened in the future. I suppose now is a good time to halt before things went any further and someone got hurt."

Ciel arched a brow, confused and wanting an explanation.

Madame Red chuckled. "You see Ciel, my sister and I used to joke that you and Lizzy would look so cute together as a couple. Eventually we let Francis in our little jest. It wasn't until years later that we thought it a grand idea to have you two betrothed."

A tick formed on Ciel's forehead.

"You mean you had us engaged because we looked cute together?"

"The idea was sound at the time and Rachel did love teasing you," Madame Red explained. "And it helped that Lizzy had a crush on you and who wouldn't when you were so adorable!"

Ciel sighed. Women.

"Well, though the engagement was a mock joke at the time, it's become sort of a serious thing now. Luckily society is unaware of that fact. They still think it's a joke," Aunt Francis continued. "I had planned on announcing the engagement officially when Elizabeth turned sixteen. But if this is really how feel…?"

Ciel nodded firmly. "Yes."

Aunt Francis sighed. "Very well. I shall take care of the necessary papers and speak to Lizzy. This Miss Hero must be quite the thing to cause this change of heart so suddenly."

Madame Red chuckled knowingly. "Oh Francis you have no idea! And I'm afraid Ciel isn't the only one after her hand and heart."

"Oh?"

"Madame Red!" Ciel said, flushing. "That's supposed to be private!"

"Oh settle down, young man. I can guess who this other rival is," Aunt Francis said with a smirk. "And I say good luck to you, Ciel. I can only hope that Miss Hero has the wits to not fall for his lecherous face."

Ciel hoped so too. And he was even more surprised that things had turned out so smoothly.

Now as he walked back to the room where his birthday party was being held, he felt free in a way he never felt before. He smiled slightly, knowing that he was now free to court Hero. And without the impediment of an unwanted engagement, any and all methods can now be employed. Before he could enter the room, however, he was suddenly dragged away. He turned to see who it was and found a smiling Hero. His own lips unconsciously curved upward at seeing her so happy.

Yes, he had definitely done the right thing.

I led Ciel farther away from the party before stopping in a random hallway.

"Happy Birthday!" I cried.

"Um, wasn't that already established?"

I rolled my eyes at Ciel's naiveté. "Duh, but I didn't get a chance to say it. Plus, I have a present for you!"

After putting the last finishing touches, I had taken my gift and now held it out to Ciel proudly. Thank goodness those particulars skills I possessed were so handy!

Ciel looked at the scroll I placed into his hand. It was tied with a blue ribbon and when he unraveled it, he saw what I did. He tilted his head, trying to examine what exactly I had done.

"…what is this?"

"It's your present. I drew you a comic strip!"

"A comic what?"

"Comic strip. It's a series of panels that are drawn in a sequence where a story is told. Of course, I did my comic strip into a manga page. Look, I even numbered them so you could read it in order."

Ciel read it more carefully and realized that I had drawn him and myself only I was smothering him with a hug.

"How come my head is large and my body little? And why are my hands and feet little stubby things?"

"It's called chibi, a cute form of drawing people. I have to admit to myself that I did a great job drawing you. Pepper always said that drawing chibi people were my thing. Anything complicated than that is when I start to butcher the very essence of art. "

"I have no shoes either," Ciel added, still looking.

"There are different styles of chibi. This one happens to be mine."

Ciel rolled up the paper. "Well, it's interesting."

I looked at him anxiously. "Do you like it?"

He smirked. "Yes."

I smiled; totally relieved he didn't hate it. I hadn't wanted to show it to him in the room where no doubt everyone would want to see it.

"I'm glad." I looked out the window then and gasped.

"Look!" I said, going over towards it and somehow managing to lift the window pane up.

"Hero!" Ciel called, coming over and shivering as the draft hit him. "It's cold outside. You should close the window.

"But look! It's snowing!" My eyes were huge as I saw the small white flakes fall. I held out a hand and found it wondrous as they melted when they touched my skin. "I've never seen snow before."

Ciel looked surprised. "You haven't?"

"Yeah. Both Mexico and Florida were near the equator. The coldest it's ever been was probably around fifty degrees, but that's only briefly. The temperature always rises right back during the day." I looked up at the sky and smiled, the scenery reminiscent of a fairytale.

"Hero?"

"Yeah?" I said, still staring out the window as I leaned a little farther out.

"I broke off my engagement with Elizabeth."

I almost fell out the window. Luckily Ciel grabbed my arm and pulled me back inside.

"Careful!"

"You did what?" I didn't give him a chance to speak. "But—I mean—how—this is—Are you serious? Why did you do that? This is Lizzy we're talking about!" I exclaimed in coherent words this time.

Oh my gosh, I just ruined like a portion of the series. Of course, I've been meddling and with Madame Red alive and the series' two main characters fighting over me, who knows how all this will turn out! But poor Lizzy! She adores Ciel! This will hurt her something awful and can I ever possibly compare to her affections for the boy if I by some miracle decided to pick him? My chest felt heavy with anxiety. I sincerely hoped Ciel knew what he was doing. Just because I was here was no reason to deviate from a tried and true path.

Ciel stared at me with the patience of a saint.

"I thought the reason obvious," he said. "I find myself…erm, well, you know, and I intend to court you. I won't allow Sebastian to take you away from me. You're my Queen after all."

I finally regained my mind and blushed hotly.

"You're really serious about this aren't you?"

He nodded. I sighed. I seriously hope Lizzy doesn't hate me later. She's bound to when she finds out what's happened.

"Fine," I told him. "But I'll have you know that I'm not so easy to 'court'.

The boy smirked. "You were easy enough to protect today."

I flushed. How dare he use the fact that I was wearing a corset today as a weapon against me!

Ciel came closer, almost invading my personal space and causing my face to get redder then it already was. And wasn't this olive toned skin of mine supposed to hide the damn blush?

"And I do believe," he said, "that you owe me."

Owe? Oh! I decided to ignore our close proximity and bravely placed my hands on my hips.

"I was hopping you'd forget, but alright, what would you—"

He cupped my face on both sides with steady cool hands and kissed me, square on the lips.

And this wasn't an accidental kiss or a quick peck on the lips.

Ciel actually had this planned. Though he was a novice, I bet you he heard that practice makes perfect and damned if he wasn't right.

I froze when our lips touched, but soon after I softened against him. He took the opportunity to move his lips at an angle. The heat between us was delicious and I think we both found ourselves getting lost in it. His lips had been cool at first but they quickly warmed after a few seconds, the softness of his skin hypnotic. The kiss deepened and it was only natural that we got closer.

I had a vague feeling Ciel could have continued to kiss me all night had it not been for this pesky thing called air that both our lungs needed. We both parted, breathing hard and after inhaling some cool air the wind pushed into the hallway, did I finally realize just what Ciel had done. I blushed furiously as I looked at the boy. He looked extremely proud of himself and I didn't know whether to laugh or chide him.

That's what? The third time we kissed? I've never been kissed so much in my life before!

"Uh," I hesitated before forcing myself to continue. "S-Shouldn't we be heading back to the party?"

Ciel looked rather annoyed at the prospect of facing people, but nodded.

"Might as well. But before you purposefully try to get forget about the kiss, know that it will be the first of many. That was our first kiss in our courtship after all."

Oh my gosh, he really was serious. And something tells me its only just the beginning.

Sebastian's eyes glowed red as he watched his young master and Hero walk away from where'd they been. He'd have to give the master credit for gaining the upper hand on this one. He'd not only broken off his engagement, but kissed Hero and declared his intent to court her. And knowing how easily manipulated his demon mate was when regards to her feelings, Sebastian knew he'd have to be on guard and commence his plans on seduction sooner than planned.

There was no other way now.

He walked over to the window that had been recently shut. He checked its security and firmly locked it, taking the curtains and drawing them closed. His hand tightened on the cloth. His lips, however, curved into a smirk.

Things were definitely about to get interesting.

Over in London, a young man dressed in fine robes stood in the middle of the barren street. He glanced up at the dark sky as the snow continued to fall. He held out a hand and observed as a flake fell before melted against his dark skin.

"It's cold. Agni, what is this?"

"It is known as 'snow' and falls in Great Britain during the winter, My Prince," answered a tall man dressed in equally fine clothes but of a simpler design, outlining his position to a modest degree.

The young prince smiled and looked ahead.

"Snow. Great Britain, eh? It is rather beautiful. I want to take it back home and show it to mother."