The apartment was still—dead, even. There was no sound and there was no light, save for the light coming through the window at the lit streets below. People were driving by and walking home from work, passing streetlamps and dancing in the street as they barhopped their way across the city. It wasn't that interesting to watch, but it was a way to kill time and did Johnathan sure have a lot of it.

Such strange creatures, humans were. It was almost hard for him to believe that he was one once. He couldn't really recall it. It was difficult for him to imagine himself doing such things, wasting time with such frivolities or selling his life away to afford to eat. How could they be so happy about that? They were like dogs—always happy to follow the leader and do what they were told just for a few pats on the head. Sometimes, they needed discipline, of course, but nothing a firm hand couldn't break down. They were so simple—so stupid, walking around, completely and utterly ignorant to the realities of the world. Even when they did know, they were stupid about it. Truly pathetic creatures.

Johnathan despised them. Sometimes, though, they had the power to surpass humanity and to stand tall amoung monsters. Oh, how he wished he could have seen his beloved in his prime! He uttered a long sigh as he sat by the window, yearning for it.

Ciel had not spoken to him since his first call. He hadn't uttered a single peep. He hadn't written. He sent no signs. All Johnathan had was the assurance that he would come for him. That assurance was all that was sustaining him.

All of his pieces were in place. He had made the preparations and he had done the work, but now, it was Ciel's turn to make his move. It was his turn to move a piece into play, but when? When would he? How would he? The possibilities were endless and all of them excited Johnathan.

He had sent his people to all of the ferry ports and airports to keep a watchful eye out for him, but he heard nothing. He had paid of police officers to report any suspicious activity, but he heard nothing. He sent ORSAP agents on patrol, but he heard nothing, nothing, nothing! Oh, how painful it was! There were times when Johnathan wanted to tear his hair out in frustration, but then he wouldn't have the Phantomhive's blueish black locks. He wanted to claw at his face, but then he wouldn't be his foe's mirror reflection. All he could do was wait. He counted down the minutes, waiting with his phone sitting across from him—waiting for any news at all. Then, as the screen lit up, he practically jumped out of his chair, his face coming to life before falling flat again as he read the name. Hitting the button and placing the device up to his ear, he answered.

"What is it, Caesar?" he asked. "It better be good."

"Define 'good...'" Caesar replied, trailing off a bit. "I was out and about tonight, but when I got back… Well… Turn on the news."

The news? Johnathan didn't watch the news. He didn't watch anything. His TV was just for looks. But, if it was from Caesar… If it was from Caesar, then…

Quickly, Johnathan rushed over to the TV set, turning it on and grabbing the remote, flipping through channels until he arrived at footage of a sea of police cars. A smile spread across his face, causing the corners of his eyes to wrinkle. Suddenly, he was alive! His eyes lit up as he made a genuine expression—felt a genuine emotion at the sight.

Johnathan laughed. He laughed loudly, from deep in his chest, throwing his head back as realisation washed over him. He dropped the phone somewhere as he clutched his stomach. The feeling was so intense that he felt like he might die, but it was oh, so wonderful, all at once!

After what seemed like ages, he picked the phone back up and placed it to his ear. "Caesar?" he asked. "Are you still there?"

"Yeah." the incubus replied. "I take it that you're pleased?"

"Very pleased." Johnathan grinned. "Forget your date. I need you to tighten the security at the exits. If anyone sees anyone who even resembles Phantomhive, I want to know about it. I'm going to go rally the troops!"


A/N: Now THIS is a short chapter! I'll have the next one up in a bit, lmao. This was actually written last minute because I felt like it made more sense to put Johnathan first AFTER I wrote the real chapter? It's done, I just have to post it.

Until the next chapter, my duckies~!