By the time morning rolled around, Ciel was surprised his roommate had kept his word to take him into town. After a quick breakfast in the cafeteria the two boys set off for the train station not far from the academy. The providence of Bretangne, while being a relatively small region, was full of small, old style towns and beautiful beaches as there were many coastal areas. The academy was close to the old town of Vannes and Ciel was interested in seeing the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Vannes: a cathedral famous for its beautiful mix of Romanesque and gothic style. Alois disregarded his idea about going to Vannes and insisted on going to the capital of the region instead, Rennes.

The train ride was quicker than he expected and they arrived in the capital city a little before noon. Not twenty minutes after walking in the bright university city, Ciel lost his roommate who had impulsively ran off into a crowded store that was having a huge post Christmas sale. He didn't bother going after him, seeing how crowded the store was, and instead waited by a fountain centered in the shopping square. As time started ticking by so did his patience. It had to have been at least half an hour and there was still no sign of the outspoken blonde. Ciel's patience was wearing thin and the cold chill of the winter winds had began to give his hands frostbite. He scanned the other shops in the square before finding a small bookstore located in the back. With his shaking hands in his coat pocket to protect them from the cold, he left his spot by the fountain and hurried inside the bookstore.

Besides the cashier at the register, who was carelessly flicking through a fashion magazine, the store seemed deserted. An old-fashion wallpaper of a faded red with a fleur de lis design decorated the walls and was accompanied with a dull gold border. The floors were wooden and of a dark brown color. The old and still atmosphere didn't bother him at all and he rather liked the calm vibe the shop gave off. There weren't many shelves, but there were enough books to keep him busy until Alois decided to make an appearance. It took a bit of searching, but eventually he came across a book of the history of Bretagne in English. He had researched the area during winter break when he learned he was transferring, but hadn't found out much besides the biggest tourist attractions and beaches. As he pulled the book of the shelf, a familiar voice caused him to turn around.

"My, Mr. Phantomhive. What a pleasant surprise. I did not expect to see students in this little shop." Professor Michaelis commented as his eyes made contact with the boy's. The teacher stood across the aisle from Ciel with a cardboard box in his arms and a black coat laying across one shoulder. He was dressed casually and the clothes clung to his slender yet built frame in such a way he knew would have Elizabeth's group of friends swooning.

"Professor! What are you doing all the way in Rennes?" Ciel asked with somewhat wide eyes.

"The headmistress asked me to drop a few books off here." The black haired man motioned to the box he held. "A relative of hers owns this shop. Incidentally could I bother you for a few minutes in assisting me put these books away if you have a moment? There are a few more boxes in the back and they just need to be put up on shelves."

"O-Of course. I'm waiting for my roommate to finish shopping anyway." He said almost too eagerly causing a soft chuckle to come from the teacher.

"I appreciate it. Now if you will follow me."

Ciel followed his professor to the end of the small store and into the back where it appeared was used for extra and new inventory. The two got to work immediately on opposite sides of the room. He worked on a large box full of mostly language and children's books and filled them on an empty shelf. The language books were printed ten years prior and Ciel assumed they were outdated books the academy no longer used. He kept busying with that box and then the box next to it. It didn't take long for the shelves to quickly fill up. Before long majority of the books had been stored and Ciel only had a few remaining in his box. This professor had momentarily stepped out to speak with the cashier of the bookstore and the boy grabbed the last three books out. While sliding them individuality into the now tightly packed shelves, a name caught his eye in a shocking recognition. The book in his hands was of a glossy yellow and was covered in glittered stars. It appeared to be a diary and the name 'Issy Leblanc' was written across the cover in cursive. It felt like time had stopped and his body refused to move with his eyes fixated on the diary.

"Ciel? Are you finished?" He heard his professor call into the room. He felt the blood drain from his face and before he knew what he was doing, he ripped open his bag he brought with him and shoved the book inside.

"Y-Yes! I'm coming!" He shakily called back and he stood in the doorway a moment trying to keep his composure before leaving the storage room. As soon as he saw his teacher, his phone let out a quiet chirp. He glanced down before letting out a sigh.

"Is everything alright?" The professor asked while scanning over his student with his deep,blood colored eyes.

"Yes... My roommate is still busy shopping that's all." Ciel had to resist the urge to sigh again. His sudden irritation at Alois had the diary slip from his mind. At least he had gotten his number on the train.

"Oh is that so? How does lunch sound then? It's the least I can do after the help you lent me." The man said and sent him a dazzling white smile.

"Y-You don't have to. It wasn't much work honestly." He responded while a blush snuck up on his cheeks.

"I insist. I truly appreciate the help. There's quite a nice restaurant close to this plaza. The food is very lovely." Ciel felt it hard to say no to his professor's kind offer and lunch sounded a lot better than waiting around for Alois any longer. It didn't take more than ten minutes to reach the said restaurant and it was right along the water. 'Victoria and Albert' read the sign above the building and Ciel was quite amazed when they entered. The decor held a certain refined air of elegance reminiscent of the Victorian period. Extravagant pictures were hung on the walls of past English royals and nobles overtop of tea-room like wallpaper and embellished with little ivory pearls.

Seeing his companion, a waiter led them to a table with a perfect view of the ocean. After taking their orders, his teacher ordering for him, the waiter poured them both a cup of Earl Grey tea before departing. Ciel ran his thumb along the tea cup which was violet in color.

"It's quite beautiful in here..." The boy quietly commented. He could smell the sweet scent of herbs as he inhaled.

"Isn't it? I come here every time I find myself in Renne. It reminds me of home." The man said in a fond voice before taking a drink of the freshly poured tea.

"Did you live in England before, professor?" He asked while picking up his own tea cup.

"Yes. I still have a house outside of London I visit whenever I get time off." He set down his cup as the waiter was suddenly back with the first course. He set down the bowls and politely told them to enjoy before departing again. The dish in front of him was lobster rice with a luscious red broth. He could smell the bright acidic flavors before even taking a bite. As he grabbed a piece of bread, he glanced up to see the professor looking at him with an amused look.

"You know, there's no need to be so formal. It's just us for now. Feel free to call me Sebastian."

X-X

After the three course meal with all the bread and a slice of an apricot soaked sponge cake he knew he wouldn't forget anytime soon, he and his professor went separate ways. He insisted on paying when Ciel tried to pay his share, and pointed him back in the direction of the plaza. When he reached the fountain, he saw his roommate sitting under it with at least five huge sized shopping bags.

"Well look who's finally here. I been waiting for the passed five minutes just so you know." Alois said in a pouty voice before brightening up again. It was then Ciel noticed the blonde was in a different outfit then earlier. "Isn't this coat just the cutest thing? It was on sale for 250 Euro. I just had to get it. Olè! " He clapped his hands and twirled around and the coat, which was checkered in two different shades of brown, blossomed up around him. It almost appeared to be a dress from the back. Ciel undoubtedly knew he bought the coat just because it matched the same boots the blonde had worn today.

"Honestly did you clear out the entire store?" The shorter boy rolled his eyes before glancing up at the clock in the center of the plaza.

"If only. There are so many sales going on. Even the nightwear was on sale. I got the most fabulous lingerie they had." Alois said with a happy look dancing in his eyes.

"We should head to the train station. It would be best to get back to school before dark." Ciel said, completely ignoring his remarks.

"You know, if you get down on your hands and knees and beg me, I might just think about letting you see me in them." Alois said in a suggestive tone and with a smirk on his face.

"I think I'll pass." He mumbled after a few of the boy's bags were shoved over for him to carry.

"You're no fun, you know that?" A fake pout was on Alois's lips before a laugh followed. Ciel was surprised in the moment, as they reached the train station, how tempted he was to laugh along. A sudden chill ran down his spine as he suddenly remembered the diary concealed in his bag.

"Alois." He muttered in a hushed tone as the blonde handed him a ticket.

"What's up with the serious look? Stress can give you wrinkles you know." The blonde mindlessly responded as the two boarded the train.

"I have to show you something when we get to our room."