Ciel's POV
We arrive back at the Trancy manor and Claude greets us.
"Welcome back," Claude says warmly. His eyes catch sight on Alois as he gets out of the carriage with Orphan.
"Your Highness, what the hell is that?" he growls at Alois.
"Claude, meet Orphan," Alois tells the raven butler, "Get used to him, because he's living with us from now on."
"But, your Highness-" Claude begins.
"No buts," Alois says sharply, "Have the triplets pick up supplies for him while you give him a well needed bath."
Claude glares at Alois with rage burning in his eyes, but after a minute he complies to his master's wishes.
"As you wish your Highness."
"And be gentle with him," Alois orders, "Orphan has definitely seen better days."
Alois hands Orphan over to Claude who looks less than content at holding the cat. The small creature greets Claude with a loud hiss and squirms in his arms.
"Highness, this is never gonna work," Claude tells Alois, "He doesn't seem to trust me all that well."
"You're right," Alois says, watching his cat's struggle, "Hannah!"
After a minute, the silver haired woman comes out of the manor to stand before Alois.
"What is your command?" she asks Alois softly, as if she's afraid of him.
"I want you to give Orphan a bath," Alois orders her, pointing to the cat that's still struggling in Claude's arms, "And be careful with him. I don't want him hurt any worse than he already is."
Hannah takes Orphan from Claude and whispers quietly to him, lightly petting his ears.
"Hey kitty, I'm gonna get you cleaned up, ok?"
Orphan lets out a small mew and Hannah smiles, "It's ok, you're safe here."
The cat calms down and purrs contentedly in Hannah's arms and Alois smiles.
"It seems I have nothing to worry about, he's in good hands. Thank you Hannah," Alois tells her. Hannah says nothing and carries Orphan into the house.
"Claude, make sure everything is ready for the ball tonight," Alois orders him.
"As you wish, sir," he says sharply before going back into the manor.
"Sebastian," I order, "Go help Hannah with Orphan. If she has everything under control, find the triplets and help them track down cat supplies."
"As you wish my Lord," Sebastian says before vanishing from sight. Alois looks at me in shock.
"You don't have to do that," Alois tells me, "My servants are more than capable."
"I don't doubt they're capability," I assure him, "But Sebastian loves cats, he'll see to it that Orphan has the best life with you as possible. And I want Orphan to be as happy as he makes you."
"Thanks," Alois tells me. After a moment of silence he speaks again, "We should get ready for the ball. It will be time for the guests to arrive soon."
"Alright," I say before I reach my hand out to him, "Would you like me to escort you to your room?"
Alois smiles weakly and takes my hand. We walk into the house and start to head to the bedrooms.
Alois POV
Ciel walk me to my bedroom and stops in front of the door. He releases my hand and smiles at me.
"Here we are," he says warmly, "Now we should get ready for the ball. I'll see you there."
Ciel turns to walk away, and I grab his hand. He stops and looks at me.
"Is something the matter, Alois?" he asks me confusedly. Why did I do that? My gaze travels from his eyes, both the beautiful blue one I can see and the one covered by the black eyepatch to his lips. I resist the urge to claim them, to savor the taste of him as we hold each other close.
"It's nothing," I say, dropping my hand from his, "I'm sorry."
"Are you sure?" he asks, "It seems as if you wanted to ask me something."
"No. Really, it's nothing," I assure him.
"Alright then. I'll see you tonight."
Ciel walks away and I open the door to my bedroom. I run in and slam it closed behind me. Leaning against the door, I begin to cry. What's happening? What are these feelings? They scare me, I've never felt this way towards anyone. Claude's words from last night invade my mind and send fear shooting through me. What would he do if he knew I was having these feelings? Unable to bring myself to finish the thought, I bend my head down and continue to cry.